Cervical Cancer

[Brandye]

If tomorrow’s headlines around the world said, “New vaccine will reduce breast cancer 75% if administered to women between 8 and 13,” parents would be overrunning clinics, medical systems would be flooded and there would be a demand on governments and drug companies to provide this to everyone. That headline is not possible, yet, but there is one almost as good: “Cervical cancer can be reduced 75% by a vaccination of all women between 8 and 13.”

But this is generally being ignored. A few European governments are preparing to vaccinate all girls. In much of the world it is being said that it is too expensive to bother and in the US, I have read, the religious sector is opposing this because it “would encourage premarital sex.” I am depressed. Breast cancer is a cause celebre everywhere in the industrial world but cervical cancer is “down (and in) there" and should not be talked about. Besides, it is believed, if we women would just keep our pants on, it will not be an issue.

Just last week I had to tell a 29 year old mother of two, “You have Stage 4 cervical cancer.” That is the medical way of saying, “You are about to die an unpleasant death.” Selfishly, I hate the days I have to do something like that, but it was a much worse day for her. Had this vaccine been available ten or fifteen years ago, she would likely not have been hearing that horrid news.

The women in the target age group are most likely unaware of what is available and I know few ten year olds who volunteer for a shot. The parents must take some action; schools must take some action; governments must take some action. You, dear reader, must take some action. If you are close to the age group, demand that you be vaccinated; if you have a younger sister, demand that she be vaccinated; if you are still a “young woman,” talk to your doctor. If you have not reached 26 and do not have a checkered sexual history, you may be eligible. Once one of the four strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer has been contracted, the vaccine is ineffective.

Condoms are about 70% effective against HPV. Few men are aware whether they are carriers because the four forms of HPV involved cause no symptoms in men – or if they do, we do not yet recognize them. It is estimated that half of the population carry HPV. Those populations where circumcision is not common have the highest incidence of cervical cancer; where circumcision is common, the lowest.

Deaths from cervical cancer have been falling and that is very good news. The reason is not that infection is dropping but the cancer is being found earlier with pap smears. If you are a woman under 26, do me, but especially yourself, a favor. Forget the cost and get the vaccination.

[Iris]

Sticky this. It's very important to get this vaccination. My mother's a doctor, she recommends it, and frankly, the last conversation I ever want to have with my Doctor is, You've got Cervical Cancer.

I'm in a monogamous relationship, but that doesn't mean I will be forever... nor will I count on permanent faithfulness, as much as I love him, who knows? So getting the vaccination is necessairy.

Thanks for the post Brandye.

[sera300]

I cannot understand in the US we have made madatory for Chicken Pox vaccinations and nearly mandatory meningitis vaccinations; however, there is no madatory vaccination for HVP. The benefits clearly outweigh risks.

Additionally, I realize the sample/test & target group for this vaccination is younger women. But what about the 50 y/o woman who has never been exposed and is re-entering single life? Why is the vaccination not also being extended to this group which is also at risk?

[HardNgood]

SIRENE don't even go there!!

[ChiliPepper]

Incredible.... this is a post that definitely makes me want to spread the word around. May I send it to others via an email? And, if I may, how shall I credit the information?

[sera300]

I believe you have to get Brandye's approval and credit her on the bottom...exactly how to do that part (giving her the credit) she should be able to tell you. It's a really great post.

[HardNgood]

There have been advertisements about this on television on the Canadian channels but I didn't notice the age thing

[ChiliPepper]

Yes, I wouldn't copy or forward it without her permission. Will wait to hear what she says.

[unknown11]

[QUOTE=sera300;168348]I cannot understand in the US we have made madatory for Chicken Pox vaccinations and nearly mandatory meningitis vaccinations; however, there is no madatory vaccination for HVP. The benefits clearly outweigh risks.QUOTE]

the reason the HVP isnt mandatory is because the United States's F.D.A is corrupt and they dont see the need to. They have many cures that are 100% natural and safe, but if they started selling them then they would lose all there money and control, so instead they dilute it and add some other chemicals to it and put it on the shelfs.
Think about it, a guy wrote a book called 1000 all natural cures and soon before he started mass production he was told he couldnt put it out there. Why? Because the FDA(Food and Drug Administration) is the one who pays for the governments private jets and other items, and if the government didnt step in then the FDA would lose alot of their money and then the government will lose their benefits aswell.

[ditzydoll]

i recently got one of the three shots for the gardisil [spelling?]. my mom suggested that I should take it, and she's making my little sister start the shots too. Some states have actually made it mandatory that you get some kind of shot like this before you go into high school. I really think that this is a good idea, and I don't think enough women are taking this opportunity.

That's what my doctor had said to me anyway... about the whole mandatory thing...