An Apple A Day

"An Apple A Day"

Orcas Family
Health Center
A Washington State and IRS 501 (c) (3) charitable non -profit corporation

"Apple A Day Articles"

ADULT “CHECK-UPS”

AN APPLE A DAY...FOR WOMEN

COMMUNICATION BASICS

FDA LICENSES NEWVACCINE FOR PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER

GETTING THERE FROM HERE

LEMONS AND LYMES

NO MERCY FROM MRSA

ONE FLU OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST

PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING

TO ERR IS HUMAN

FDA LICENSES NEWVACCINE FOR PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER

The headline above appeared in the news a few weeks ago. Such a monumental announcement is definitely a noteworthy event warranting review and discussion. A “cure” for cancer is unquestionably a high priority for medical researchers. Is that what we have here? Not quite. It is uncertain what causes the majority of cancers, but in the case of cervical cancer there seems to be a causal link between women being infected by a virus, the human papilloma virus (HPV) and eventually developing cervical cancer. Therefore, this vaccine is like all others in that it stimulates the body’s immune system to resist being infected by HPV, the major risk factor for developing cervical cancer.

HPV is one of several sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Some are viral like herpes and HIV; others are bacterial like gonorrhea and syphilis. Like many other viruses, HPV has countless subtypes, over 100 by the latest estimate. It is thought that as many as 50% of sexually active adults may have or become infected with HPV during their lifetime. In many instances the body’s immune system can handle the infection without clinical consequences. The most obvious external indication of an active HPV infection is the appearance of genital warts, cauliflower-like growths that can appear on the male penis or around the female vagina. Certain subtypes that cause infection on the cervix (notably types 6,11,16 and 18) are the most likely to lead to cervical cancer. The current vaccine protects against these subtypes.

For many years sexually active women have been advised to get regular pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. Now we are able to test for the presence of HPV when the pap smear is performed, and more accurately predict who is at greater risk for the development of cervical cancer. The presence of HPV warrants more vigilant monitoring of these women. The HPV vaccine has been tested in over 20,000 women with near 100% effectiveness in suppressing the development of HPV infection. Unfortunately, these results only demonstrate that there is successful prevention of HPV infection. It will take many more years before it can be shown if there is a reduction in the rate of cervical cancer. Being vaccinated should not alter the usual counseling regarding the use of condoms and “safe sex”. Remember, HPV is only one of many STDs.

Currently the guidelines for HPV vaccination are for women between the ages of 9-26, before they become sexually active, with a series of 3 shots over 6 months. In this way it is hoped to prevent infection before exposure occurs. The HPV vaccine promises to be about the most expensive vaccine ever produced, costing close to $500 for the series. We believe it seems prudent to wait awhile before jumping on the vaccination bandwagon to see if there are alternatives that may be more universally affordable.

As always, we invite comments on this and other “Apple” columns and welcome suggestions for future topics.

P.S. OFHC now offers ear piercing among our numerous other services.