Protect Your Teen from the Risk of Future Cancer: Get Them Vaccinated for HPV at Their Annual Physical

Did you know that HPV can lead to cervical cancer and other types of cancer in both women and men? HPV stands for human papillomavirus.

According to the CDC, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). 79 million Americans, most in their late teens and early 20s, are infected with HPV. There’s one simple thing you can do: get them vaccinated for HPV at their annual physical.

Getting your teen vaccinated is not about them being sexually active. Instead, it protects them when they choose to become sexually active in the future.

The CDC reports there are many types of HPV. “HPV can cause cervical and other cancers including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils.”

There aren’t any symptoms for HPV. Warts may be an indication that you’re infected. People with high-risk HPV won’t know they’re infected until they already have serious health problems.

That’s why regular check-ups for teens are so important, including making sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations. This doesn’t have to be awkward for parents or guardians. Just be sure to get the HPV vaccine at your teen’s next annual physical at Ryan Health to ensure their good health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine vaccination for girls and boys ages 11 and 12. At that age, the vaccine is typically two shots roughly one year apart. After age 15, three shots may be required.

The CDC recommends young adults up to age 26 receive the HPV vaccine, which is safe and effective. Gardisil9 is the most commonly known vaccine.

Health problems related to HPV include:

• Cervical cancer: Every year, nearly 12,000 women living in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, and more than 4,000 women die of cervical cancer—even with screening and treatment.

• Genital warts: Before HPV vaccines were introduced, roughly 340,000 to 360,000 women and men were affected by genital warts caused by HPV every year.

If you haven’t had your annual physical yet for 2019, contact us by phone at 212-749-1820 or on our MyCare Portal.