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Parents across the nation are wrestling with some tough health issues concerning their pre-teen daughters. A new vaccine is being recommended by the government for the prevention of cervical cancer.
As you may know, there is a huge debate about just who should get the vaccine. But do you, as a parent, really know how this particular medicine works?
"I think it's the most significant women's health achievement since the pill and the Pap smear."
UAB Assistant Professor, Dr. Warner Huh has been at the forefront of getting a vaccine for the human papillomavirus (HPV) to the masses.
"Our division at UAB was involved in some of the pivotal trials that led ultimately to the FDA approval of Gardasil in June of 2006," said Huh.
Today, Gardasil is the only approved treatment to combat HPV, a virus that can lead to cervical cancer. Doctors recommend females between the ages of nine and 26 get this vaccine.
"We know the vaccine works better before a woman hits their sexual debut," said Huh.
It's an obvious source of controversy, the words "sexually active" and young girls. But researchers say making the vaccinations mandatory is for the greater good.
"You only vaccinate scattered individuals, the entire population never really benefits from the vaccine in general," said Huh.
Block the virus and there's a good chance of preventing the cancer.
Stephanie Norman is a nursing student. At age 21, she's not only taking Gardasil, she's studying to treat cancer patients.
"If you can get vaccinated and prevent that cancer, why not get it," said Norman.
Making a decision
Whether or not to vaccinate your pre-teen daughter for the human papillomavirus may be a tough decision for some parents particularly since what it protects against is a virus caused by a sexual infection.
In recent months, a number of states are making the vaccine to prevent cervical cancer mandatory for 11 and 12 year old girls. And that's a problem for some parents. Although that's not the case in Alabama, parents still have to make the decision.
It seems like a simple option, three shots in six months add up to a life time of protection against HPV. Women need it to fend off cervical cancer. But when you consider the age doctors recommend girls get the vaccine, between the ages of nine and 26, you've got a whirlwind of arguments. Not so for Kathy Stein, who wants her kids protected.
"just being a breast cancer survivor I know my odds are greater for getting other types of cancer, including getting cervical cancer, which would mean my daughters have a higher than average chance," said Stein.
Doctors recommend girls be vaccinated before becoming sexually active, particularly between the ages of 11 or 12. And that's rubbing some parents the wrong way.
"When she is ready to become sexually active that's when we'll talk about it, but she's no where near that so I don't think it's appropriate," said Stein.
But is waiting for the appropriate age too little too late? Experts recommend you seek a pediatrician or gynecologist's advice.
"Only that kind of clinician, that spectrum of information can provide you with the most detailed risk benefit analysis of whether vaccine is worth it for your daughter," said Huh.
