Thursday, April 26, 2018

Fewer HPV Infections Mean Healthier Communities of Color

"Human papillomavirus (or HPV) can cause several types of cancer, and some communities of color have higher rates of these cancers. HPV vaccine can protect against cancers caused by HPV infection, protecting communities of color from these often devastating cancers.

About HPV

HPV is a very common and widespread virus. Nearly everyone will be infected in their lifetime. In most cases, HPV infections go away on their own and do not cause any health problems. But when HPV infections do not go away, they can cause cancer.
HPV can cause cervical cancer, as well as some cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, and anus. HPV can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils (oropharynx) in men and women. Cancer can take years, even decades, to develop after a person gets an HPV infection. While doctors routinely screen for cervical cancer, there are no recommended screening tests for other HPV cancers. These cancers may not be found until they cause health problems. To learn more about HPV and the types of cancers it causes, visit the Link Between HPV and Cancer.
Don’t miss an opportunity to protect your child from cancer. HPV vaccine is recommended for all girls and boys at ages 11-12 to protect against infections that can lead to cancer..."
HPV

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