1. Can a Vaccine Really Prevent Cancer?
Vaccines are not without side effects, and that includes the cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil. Cervical cancer has been linked to certain strains of the Human papilloma virus (HPV), and the Gardasil vaccine protects against HPV. Essentially, the cervical cancer vaccine is the first vaccine capable of preventing a form of cancer. Keep in mind, though, that developing any type of cancer is a complex combination of several factors including lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise and also how healthy your immune system is.
2. Cervical Cancer Vaccine Side Effects
The side effects reported for the Gardasil vaccine are similar to the side effects reported for nearly all vaccines, including pain and swelling at the injection site, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. In a few rare (but severe) cases, death occurred.
3. Pros and Cons
All medical decisions, including the decision to vaccinate, involve a risks-benefit analysis. There's little need for a preteen or teen who isn't sexually active to be vaccinated, even though some states or localities are recommending the vaccine be routine. The reasoning behind widespread vaccination requires greater compliance with vaccine recommendations. The more people who vaccinate, the more successful the vaccine. If you want to vaccinate yourself or daughter against HPV, consider minimizing your risk by asking your healthcare provider what vaccine lot your dose is coming from. See if that vaccine lot has been identified as problematic with the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
4. Avoid Vaccination if You Wish
The decision to vaccinate is usually a very personal decision, although there are some circumstances in which vaccinations are required. Keep in mind though that waivers usually exist if you choose not to vaccinate. This is important to keep in mind if you're the parent of a young girl. Some states have recommended this vaccine be given as young as age 9, which is much younger than the age at which most females become sexually active. An alternative strategy is to delay vaccination until closer to the age at which your female teen is more likely to become sexually active, and that's really only a decision that she's capable of making.
5. Sexual Behavior After Vaccination
Cervical cancer is not nearly as common as breast cancer. The cervical cancer vaccine covers strains that cause up to 70 percent of cervical cancer cases, but a woman's chance of developing cervical cancer within her lifetime is already less than 1 percent. The decision to vaccinate depends on age, lifestyle and sexual activity history. If you do opt for this vaccine, you still need to practice safer sex including consistent condom use in non-monogamous relationships. Also, you'll still need yearly gynecological exams.
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