New HPV vaccine for cervical cancer (Gardasil)

In June, the FDA licensed a new vaccine (Gardasil) for the prevention of cervical cancer and other diseases in females caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women and the CDC recommends that (three doses of) the vaccine be given to girls when they are 11 – 12 years old (but can be given between 9 and 26 years old).

The idea is to vaccinate girls before they become sexually active, but all sexually active women should receive the vaccination, too. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and is the most common in people in their teens and 20s.

How can parents tell their daughters about the new vaccine?
If you are a parent who has already starting talking with your preteen or teen about their changing body and sexual issues, this will not be difficult. You can explain that this vaccine protects her from a sexually transmitted disease that is linked to cervical cancer, and that professionals recommend every young girl get vaccinated (with three doses) before she is sexually active.

If you have not started these conversations, this is your opportunity. One could say, “it prevents cancer” and leave it at that, but that is not really accurate. If you are going to protect your child, start the talk. Begin with stating your values clearly – I expect that you will not have sex until [insert age or context]. Then talk about the importance of knowing how to prevent unwanted pregnancy, birth control, sexually transmitted infection, and the importance of using condoms.

If you think that your daughter, at age 11 is too young to hear about sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted infections, and condoms, think again. National surveys have found that about 7% of children have had sexual intercourse before age 13, and about 25% have done so by age 15. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are 6 million new cases of HPV each year – many of them in teens and young adults.

The vaccine has been tested with thousands of women and is considered effective without serious side effects and will be given in three injections over a six-month period. Talk to your parents and doctor about getting vaccinated. Most insurance companies cover vaccinations.

For more information, check this site: HPV Vaccine - CDC

Labels: HIV, HPV, Sexuality Education

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Genital herpes (HSV 2) and teens

A national survey of the US population conducted between 1988 and 1994 found that more than one in five people over 12 are infected with herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV 2), the virus typically responsible for genital herpes. A clinician can diagnose herpes by looking at a sore, or taking a sample and having it tested in a lab. There is no treatment that can cure herpes but there are medications that can shorten and prevent the outbreaks.

Herpes is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact (even when you cannot see a sore) and the person with herpes may not have any symptoms.

There is some good news about herpes simplex virus type 2. Increased condom use may be reducing the number of new herpes 2 infections. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported (August 23, 2006) that overall, the number of Americans aged 14 to 49 who tested positive for herpes 2 infection fell by a relative rate of 19% between 1988 and 2004 – most significantly in teens – from a prevalence of 21% in the late 1980s to 17% 10 years later. Rates of herpes simplex virus type 1 are also dropping – from 62% in the 1980s to 58% in the 1990s.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 causes most genital herpes and is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Herpes simplex virus type 1 which is typically spread during childhood via nonsexual contact is a principle cause of genital herpes in some developed countries.

For more information, check this site: Herpes
For more information, check this site: Herpes - CDC

Photo Credit: antibubbles

Labels: Herpes

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Skin cancer – a fair trade for a beautiful tan?

A study conducted in 2000 found that 42% of teenage girls had tried indoor tanning, exposing themselves to dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and possibly explaining the increase in skin-cancer rates among women ages 15 to 29. The National Health Interview Survey, 2005 reports that 8.7% of teens aged 14-17 are using indoor tanning devices and that girls in that age group are seven times more likely than boys to use these devices.

Why are teens risking their health, many with their parents blessing? Is it famous people who sport tans? Do people not understand the risks? Tanning will lead to wrinkles and possibly skin-cancer – dermatologists say that any change in skin color means there is damage.

Everyone needs to avoid the sun and tanning, use sunscreen whenever you are out in the sun, and encourage friends to avoid tanning. The World Health Organization recommends that no person <18 href="http://www.pamf.org/teen/health/skin/sun.html">Skin care and sun or see "Hooked on Tanning"-- an online video from www.HealthPolitics.org that examines the issue of young people spending too much time in tanning booths. This program looks at the big business of tanning and how young people get a kind of physical "high" from tanning that suggests it may be an addictive behavior. Go to Trouble with Tanning to view the video program, which includes a transcript, discussion guide, links to related resources and a slide presentation.

The National Health Interview Survey, 2005 is availalbe at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm

Photo by: Morgan Tepsic

Labels: Tanning

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