The New Cervical Cancer Vaccine
Cecile A. Walker, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

The recent approval of a vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is generating a lot of buzz across the nation. As a practicing obstetrician and gynecologist, I receive my share of questions on the matter from patients, friends and family. I hope the information in this article addresses some of the questions and concerns you may have as a patient considering this vaccine for yourself or your daughter.

The vast majority of cervical cancer cases have been linked to a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). It is a very common sexually transmitted virus. If you have sex, you can get HPV. You can be infected with HPV and not know it because you may not have any signs or symptoms. Of course, you can still pass the virus on to others. Fortunately, for many people, the virus goes away on its own. For others, it may persist and cause diseases.

There are many different types of HPV and some cause diseases in the genital area. In addition to cervical cancer, HPV can cause genital warts and precancerous cells (called dysplasia) of the cervix, vagina and vulva. Genital warts can be unpleasant; they sometimes itch and bleed. Sometimes multiple treatments are required to treat them. Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat warts and dysplasia. These diseases may recur even after treatment. Some dysplasias can, over time, turn into cancer if not treated. Cancer of the cervix can be life-threatening.

GARDASIL is a vaccine that can protect you from getting HPV and its consequences – warts, dysplasia and cervical cancer. Specifically, GARDASIL, also called HPV vaccine, is very effective at preventing infection with and disease caused by four types of HPV – 6, 11, 16 and 18. These HPV types were chosen because they are the ones that cause the majority of genital warts and cervical cancers.

GARDASIL has been approved for girls and women from ages 9 through 26 years. Here are some important facts about GARDASIL:
• It is most effective when given before a female becomes sexually activity.
• You cannot get infected from the vaccine.
• The vaccine is not a treatment for HPV and the diseases caused by HPV. It is preventative.
• GARDASIL will not protect you against diseases caused by all HPV types, only diseases caused by types 6, 11, 16 and 18.
• The vaccine will not protect you against HPV types to which you have already been exposed.
• If you have had genital warts or dysplasia, you can still be vaccinated.
• Three doses are required and are given as an injection, usually in the arm, at zero, two and six months. It is important to get all three doses for maximum benefit.
• Common side effects include pain, swelling, itching and redness at the injection site, and fever.
• The vaccine is not a substitute for cervical cancer screening. If you are vaccinated, you should continue PAP screening.

GARDASIL is widely considered within the medical community as a significant advancement in female healthcare and the fight against cancer. If you are a parent of a female child, it is hoped that you will consider this vaccine as protection for your daughter against a virus that she could potentially become exposed to in the future. GARDASIL may become approved for males and for women age 26 and older in the near future.

If you would like more information about GARDASIL and HPV, please talk to your physician and visit www.gardasil.com.

Dr. Cecile A. Walker recently joined the practice of Dr. Henry Johnson. Prior to moving to Montgomery, she was in private practice for eight and a half years. She received her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Dr. Walker is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.