Author: Rachel McCarthy-Moya
In 2005, a 20-year-old female was diagnosed with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and told that she had precancerous cells on her cervix. She then went through the painful process of cryosurgery in which liquid nitrogen was applied to her cervix and the cells were frozen. When describing the process she said, “They put nitrogen on my cervix and I was completely awake.” Although the precancerous cells were removed, she must continue to get pap smears every six months to make sure the cells don’t return. Although she didn’t know it at the time, the HPV vaccine, Gardasil, could have prevented this woman from having to undergo cryosurgery. The vaccine protects females between the ages of nine and 26 against four types of HPV and is offered on campus at the Emmons Health Center. The woman interviewed said that she wishes she had gotten the vaccine, but wasn’t aware of its availability until after her diagnosis. “I’d way rather not have HPV, but I didn’t even know what the vaccine was two years ago,” she said.
The Virus
HPV, discovered in 1956, is a group of viruses that affect the skin and mucous membranes of humans. Statistics vary to some degree, but approximately 20 million people are infected with HPV worldwide, which can be transmitted through any genital contact. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, of the 6.2 million new diagnosed cases of HPV every year, 74 percent occur in those aged 15-24. Estimates say that at least 50 percent of the sexually active population will get HPV at sometime during their lives.
There are over 100 strains of HPV that have been characterized, including a group of 30-40 types that are sexually transmitted and infect the genitals. Most cases of genital HPV are “low risk” and do not result in noticeable symptoms. Even if a person has been infected, the immune system may clear the virus before warts appear. It is possible, however, to spread genital warts without having any visible symptoms. Because symptoms are not always present, it is thus possible to spread HPV without knowing it.
There are around 12 other types of HPV that are considered “high-risk” because, if not caught early, will result in cervical cancer. HPV infections are associated with the majority of cases of cervical cancer.
Pap smears can determine whether a woman has been infected with HPV, but there are no tests currently available to test men for HPV. The only indication of HPV in men is a visual check of the genital area for warts.
Smoking cigarettes increases the chances of getting HPV and other STDs, because smoking suppresses the immune system. The use of oral contraceptive also slightly raises a female’s risk of contracting HPV.
The Vaccine
Emmons has been offering Gardasil, the vaccine for HPV, since 2006 when it first became available. The HPV vaccine protects against two types of cancer-causing strains and two types of genital wart-causing strains. Even individuals already infected with HPV can possibly still benefit from the vaccine’s protection against the different types of the virus.
There has been some controversy surrounding the vaccine because of the young age at which girls could be vaccinated. Some parents of younger girls fear that the vaccine’s availability will encourage sexual activity at younger ages, but Cindy Chu, a Nurse Practitioner at Emmons, said, “The earlier you get the vaccine, the best chance you have for protection against HPV.” There is currently no research that indicates the vaccine would encourage sexual activity at a younger age.
The vaccine is administered through three intramuscular injections over a six-month period. No tests or exams are required in order to receive the vaccination at Emmons. The vaccine doesn’t protect against all strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer, so it is important to continue receiving Pap smears even after receiving the vaccine.
The availability of Gardasil on campus allows female students quick and easy access to a potentially life saving vaccine. Some students may not feel that they are at risk for HPV because they practice safe sex, but the use of condoms may not be sufficient in protecting oneself against HPV as it can be transmitted through areas not covered by a condom. While students may feel that cervical cancer is not an immediate threat, 500,000 cases of cervical cancer resulting from the HPV virus are diagnosed every year. Left untreated, precancerous cells could develop into potentially life-threatening cervical cancer.
Chu said that many female students have requested the vaccine. However, people are still largely unaware of the vaccine and its availability at Emmons. “I have heard of Gardasil and that it helps reduce the chance of getting HPV. I didn’t know that it was available on campus, which is really great. I think that anything that can give you peace of mind about your health is worth looking into,” Renae Cortero (sophomore) said.Liz Bodman (senior) also said she was unaware of Gardasil’s availability at Emmons, but is enthusiastic about receiving the vaccine. “I think it is wonderful and am planning to get it as soon as I get back from New Zealand and will be in one place for long enough,” she said.
Although student insurance does not cover the vaccine, many other insurance carriers do. Students should contact their own insurance to check if the vaccine is covered. Chu said she encourages all female students to get the vaccine.
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