Nurse provides facts about HPV
The HPV vaccine can only protect you from HPV types targeted in the vaccine.
By Cynthia Fiacco Special to the Acorn

As a Camarillo resident and family nurse practitioner, I get numerous healthrelated questions from members of the community. Here are three common concerns:

Q: Who should receive the new Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine?

A: As a mother of two girls, I appreciate how sensitive this question can be for parents. I'll start with a few basics. We now know that persistent infection with high risk HPV can lead to cervical cancer.

The HPV vaccine is targeted to prevent infection by the HPV virus. The vaccine does not cure an existing infection. The body needs time to establish an adequate immune response. Therefore, the American Cancer Society recommends the following:

•Routine HPV vaccination for females ages 11 and 12.

•Females as young as nine may receive the HPV vaccination.

•HPV vaccinations may be given to females ages 13 to 18 to catch up missed vaccines or complete the vaccination series.

•Women ages 19 to 26 should discuss the risks and benefits of HPV vaccination with their provider.

•HPV vaccination is not recommended for women over age 26 or for males.

•Screening for cervical cancer (pap smears) should continue in both vaccinated and unvaccinated women

I recommend that you discuss the pros and cons of HPV vaccination with your provider.

Q: If the HPV vaccine protects me from cervical cancer why would I still need a pap smear?

A: The HPV vaccine can only protect you from HPV types targeted in the vaccine. For example, a currently available vaccine, Gardasil, protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Types 16 and 18 cause 70 percent of cervical cancers, and types 6 and 11 cause about 90 percent of genital warts.

You'll note that 30 percent of cervical cancers are caused by HPV types other than 16 and 18. We do not know if the vaccine offers any protection for this 30 percent. That is just one reason that ongoing cervical cancer screening for vaccinated women is recommended.

Q: How often should I get a pap smear?

A: The answer is based on your age and your personal risk for the development of precancerous lesions of the cervix. Screening for cervical cancer can save your life.

A recent medical study noted that half of all women in the US who develop cervical cancer have never had a pap smear, and another 10 percent did not present for screening within five years preceding their diagnosis of cervical cancer.

In my practice I recommend routine annual screening to all women from three years after sexual debut until the age of 30. After age 30 if the woman has had three consecutive normal pap smears, I increase screening intervals up to three years.

I recommend annual well women exams for completion of other important health screenings. Examples include the clinical breast exam and palpation of the ovaries. Of course, screening intervals will be more frequent for women with abnormal pap smears.

Talk with your provider about your personal risk for cervical cancer and together you will determine the screening interval most appropriate for you.

A nurse since 1984, Fiacco is a family nurse practitioner with California HealthFirst Physicians, 5051 Verdugo Way, Ste. 100, in Camarillo. She can be reached at (805) 384-8071, ext. 203.