Did you know you could be at risk for HPV?
Eighty percent of men and women in the United States are exposed to the human papillomavirus (HPV) – the virus that could cause cancer – by the time they are 50.
How is the virus contracted?
HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact during sex. It is the most common virus among adolescents and young people. If let untreated, HPV can lead to cervical cancer and genital warts.
Latinas in Los Angeles have some of the highest cervical cancer rates in California and die in greater numbers from this preventable disease.
Who should I talk to about HPV and cervical cancer?
Because many times there are no symptoms of infection, it is important to ask your doctor about the vaccine. Women should get regular pap tests to check for changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer.
How can I protect my children and myself?
Get vaccinated. Three shots in the arm are given over six months. Currently, the FDA has approved two vaccines to prevent cervical cancer. Gardasil, which also protects against genital warts, is approved for both males and females. Cervarix is approved for females. It protects against cervical cancer only.
What’s the ideal age to get vaccinated?
It’s recommended that males and females between the ages of 9 and 26 receive the vaccine. The ideal age to administer the vaccine for both boys and girls is between the ages of 11 and 12 when their immune system responds best to the vaccine and before they begin to have sexual intercourse.
Where can I find free or low cost vaccines?
In California, the Vaccine for Children Program provides vaccinations at no cost or low for children up to age 18. To find a qualified doctor participating in the program visit: visite http://vacunasymisalud.org/programa-de-vacunas.
Children enrolled in California’s Healthy Families plan are eligible for free immunizations.
“For more information about the CMA Foundation’s Cervical Cancer and HPV Project including a list of Spanish-language resources, visit http://www.thecmafoundation.org/projects/HPV/index.aspx.
“To reach someone who can answer your questions about cervical cancer prevention in Spanish, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or the Los Angeles County Office of Women’s Health number 1-800-793-8090″
This post is also available in: Spanish
