American Cancer Society Updates HPV Vaccine Recommendations to Include Males

By Stacy Simon The American Cancer Society has updated its guideline for human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination to include males. The change makes the guideline largely consistent with US government recommendations. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), part of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is the main source for US immunization policy. HPV VACCINE RESOURCES: Facts and Fears Recommendations by Age Detailed Information Almost everyone who is not vaccinated will get HPV at some time in their lives, and most will never know it. HPV is transmitted through sexual contact. The infection usually goes away on its own and doesn’t cause health problems. But in some cases HPV doesn’t go away. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts, while other types can lead to cancer. The HPV vaccines used most often in the United States prevent infection by both of these types of HPV. Almost all cervical cancer is caused by HPV. The virus has also been linked to cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and throat. “HPV vaccination has the potential to prevent tens of thousands of cancers and hundreds of thousands of pre-cancers each year,” said Debbie Saslow, PhD, director of cancer control intervention for HPV vaccination and women’s cancers at the American Cancer Society. “It is critical that all the stakeholders here—families, health care providers, and others—make HPV vaccination a pri...
Source: American Cancer Society :: News and Features - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Prevention/Early Detection Cervical Cancer Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Source Type: news