The HPV Vaccine:Protecting Girls from Cervical Cancer
It’s a team effort.
The Facts
Cervical cancer kills 400 women each year in Canada
Cervical cancer affects young women
Almost 100% of all cervical cancer cases are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
PROTECT BC girls against cervical cancer: Support immunization against HPV
HPV Immunization in BC
Each year in BC HPV immunization could PREVENT:
150 women from developing cervical cancer 40 women from dying from cervical cancer 5,000 women from developing precancerous cells 10,000 women from requiring invasive procedures to treat
abnormal cells 20,000 women from requiring additional follow up and
evaluation due to abnormal pap tests
Help PROTECT BC GIRLS against these outcomes
What is HPV?
The Human Papillomavirus
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in BC
Most infections clear on their own, but 10% will not go away and cells infected with the virus can become cancerous over time.
HPV infection CAUSES cervical cancer
Who Can Get HPV?
ANYONE who has been sexually intimate with another person
Common infection:
Infected with HPV
• 70% of all women will be infected at some point in their lives
• HPV infection is highest among adolescents and young adults (23% vs. 4% among older adults)
The HPV Vaccine
Protects against 70% of all cervical cancers and 90% of all genital warts
All women should continue to have regular cervical cancer screenings (pap tests)
“The approval of [HPV] vaccine is a great medical milestone in the fight against cancer.”
- Dr. Barry Rosen, The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada
HPV Vaccine Effectiveness
~100% protection when given before HPV exposure!
Evidence that protection will last for at least 15 years, and will probably last for life
Need for a booster is being closely monitored
Younger girls build better protection
SUPPORT HPV Immunization.
HPV Vaccine Safety
Vaccines are only licensed in Canada if they meet very strict standards and are safe
Some girls may have minor side effects
The HPV vaccine has been studied for over 10 years
A clinical study on the HPV vaccine was done in over 20,000 women for over 5 years in several countries
Over 44 million doses have been distributed worldwide
The HPV Vaccine is SAFE.
Why Immunize Now?
Immunization is about PREVENTION Vaccine must be given BEFORE
EXPOSURE for best results Studies have shown that the vaccine is
BUILDS BETTER PROTECTION if given to younger girls
The vaccine PREVENTS HPV. It does not treat HPV.
HPV Vaccine and Girls
Immunization DOES NOT promote earlier sexual activity
Immunization should occur BEFORE sexual activity to be most effective
PROTECT BC Girls from cervical cancer.
School-based HPV Immunization
Grade 6 girls Grade 9 girls for two more years 3 doses
1st dose 2nd dose 3rd dose6 months total
4 months2 months
We Need Your Help!
How Can You Help?
Summary
The vaccine protects against 70% OF ALL CERVICAL CANCER types
The HPV vaccine is SAFE
Girls are best protected when they get the HPV vaccine before they become sexually intimate
The HPV vaccine builds better protection in young girls
WORKING TOGETHER to PROTECT BC girls and women from Cervical Cancer
Questions?
For more info visit:
immunizebc.ca
Optional Additional Information
HPV and Cervical Cancer
Initial HPV
Infection
HPV Infection Cleared
Invasive Cervical Cancer
Continuing Infection
Abnormal Cell
Growth
Pre-Cancerous
Cell Growth
0-1 years 0-5 years 1-20 years
The Cervix
Virus Penetrates Cervix
HPV Vaccine Bridging Study
HPV Vaccine is Safe for girls 9-
15 years old
The HPV Vaccine and Boys
Not currently licensed for use on boys in Canada
Clinical trials are currently underway to determine vaccine safety and efficacy in boys
Results look promising
Protecting boys and girls would be ideal