Cervical Cancer Free America

The Expansion of the HPV Vaccine Recommendation to Boys: Implications for Employers

jacquie — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 18:56:05 +0000

New Recommendation: Routine HPV Vaccination of Males

Since 2006, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended routine vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) for females ages 11 to 12 years, and catch-up vaccination for females ages 13 through 26 years.1 Routine vaccination is recommended for the 11-to-12-year-olds because their immune response is superior to older adults and children at this young age are less likely to have been exposed to the virus through sexual contact (the vaccine is most effective before exposure to HPV).
In October 2011, ACIP expanded its recommendation to include males for vaccination against HPV. Specifically, ACIP recommended the following:
Routine vaccination of males ages 11 to 12 years with Gardasil® to protect against genital human papillomavirus (HPV); Vaccination with Gardasil® for males ages 13 to 21 years who have not been vaccinated previously or who have not completed the 3-dose series; and
Males ages 22 to 26 years may be vaccinated.
These recommendations replaced the October 2009 ACIP guidance that stated that Gardasil® may be given to males ages 9 through 26 years.
In February 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommended the routine vaccination of males ages 11 to 12 with Gardasil® to protect against HPV, as a part of its revised childhood and adolescent immunization schedule.

For full article and citations, click here

Nobel Laureate Urges Global Campaign for HPV Vaccination

jacquie — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:50:38 +0000

Nobel Laureate Makes Strong Case for Vaccinating Young Males Against HPV to Prevent Cervical Cancer in Females

From the PharmaLive.com News Archive – Mar. 26, 2012

AUSTIN, Texas, March 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Nobel Prize winner Harald zur Hausen called for vaccinating both young males and females for human papilloma virus (HPV) in an achievable quest to eradicate cervical cancer, which is the second leading type of women’s cancer worldwide. Zur Hausen made his remarks at a gathering of more than 1,600 members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology during its 43rd Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer® in Austin.

“If we wish to eradicate these types of infections – then theoretically we can do it,” zur Hausen said. “And if we wish to achieve this (eradication of HPV) in a foreseeable period of time, then we should vaccinate both genders globally.”

He pointed out that educational, cultural and religious barriers contribute to the lack of knowledge or willingness to address or discuss the subject by public health officials, teachers, parents and even some physicians. Zur Hausen also said that if society were to vaccinate just one gender to prevent the spread of cervical-cancer causing HPV, it would be more effective to vaccinate just males, highlighting the potential medical value of male HPV vaccinations. Zur Hausen also noted that research shows that early fears of the side effects of the HPV vaccine were overblown, and Australian research shows that there is about one adverse reaction in 100,000 vaccinations, which confirms the safe nature of the vaccine.

Keynote speaker for this year’s Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer, Harald zur Hausen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2008 for his pioneering discovery of the role of human papilloma virus (HPV) in the development of cancer of the cervix. He currently is professor emeritus, after having served as Chairman of the Management Board and Scientific Director of the German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.

Zur Hausen said approximately 275,000 women die each year of cervical cancer, some 85 percent in economic-constrained countries, with more than 500,000 new cases appearing in women globally each year.

About the SGO
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) is a national medical specialty organization of physicians and allied healthcare professionals who are trained in the comprehensive management of women with malignancies of the reproductive tract. Its purpose is to improve the care of women with gynecologic cancer by encouraging research, disseminating knowledge that will raise the standards of practice in the prevention and treatment of gynecologic malignancies, and cooperating with other organizations interested in women’s health care, oncology and related fields. The Society’s membership, totaling more than 1,600, is primarily comprised of gynecologic oncologists, as well as other related medical specialists including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses, social workers and pathologists. SGO members provide multidisciplinary cancer treatment including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and supportive care. More information on the SGO can be found at www.sgo.org.

For more information:
Jessica Oldham, 312-676-3903
Greg Leaf, 651-271-2511

SOURCE Society of Gynecologic Oncology

View original article here

South Carolina Could Offer Free Cervical Cancer Vaccine

jacquie — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:48:10 +0000

Posted: Mar 29, 2012 11:24 AM EDT
Updated: Mar 29, 2012 11:24 AM EDT

By SEANNA ADCOX
Associated Press
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Seventh-grade students in South Carolina could get a free vaccine to prevent a sexually transmitted, cancer-causing virus under a bill approved by a House panel.

A House subcommittee advanced Thursday a measure giving the option for students who are entering the seventh grade. Informational brochures on the vaccine for human papillomavirus, known as HPV, would be provided to parents of sixth-graders.

Rep. Bakari Sellers says his bill is about saving lives and money. The Denmark Democrat says the cost of providing the vaccine would be far less than taxpayers paying later through Medicaid and emergency room visits to treat cervical cancer.

Similar legislation was defeated unanimously in the House in 2007. It required girls entering seventh grade to get the vaccine, unless parents signed a form opting out.

Leading Health Organizations Revise Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

jacquie — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 22:53:40 +0000

Last week, several health organizations issued new cervical cancer screening guidelines that extend the time interval between screening tests for most women. Based on comprehensive reviews of available data—including NCI-funded research—the new guidelines seek to maximize the benefits of current screening tests while minimizing their potential harms.

Read the full bulletin here

Campaign Urges HPV Vaccine, Screenings and Follow-Up Care

jacquie — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 23:34:00 +0000

A new Op-Ed piece from Cervical Cancer-Free Kentucky’s very own Dr. Baretta Casey challenges the local community to fight cervical-cancer with education, screenings and the HPV vaccine. Read the article here.

New Study Reveals Pockets of High Cervical Cancer Rates in NC

jacquie — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 23:30:14 +0000

Colleagues from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Cervical Cancer-Free America have identified pockets of high cervical cancer rates in NC in a new study published March 12. Read about the details here.

Texas Women’s Health Funds Are Cut

jacquie — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 23:26:03 +0000

The federal government is withdrawing funding for a Texas program that provides crucial health coverage, including cervical cancer screenings, to over 100,000 women. Read the entire article here.

New ACS Guidelines Released

sara — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:46:15 +0000

The American Cancer Society has released new cervical cancer screening guidelines.

CCFKY Launches New Facebook App

jacquie — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:47:30 +0000

Cervical Cancer-Free Kentucky has launched a new application on Facebook to spread the word about HPV and cervical cancer. Join the movement here.

The National Hispanic Medical Association’s 16th Annual Conference Set for April 26-29 in Washington D.C.

jacquie — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:39:03 +0000

NATIONAL HISPANIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
16^th Annual Conference
“Innovations that Improve the Health of Hispanics, Families and Communities”

Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, DC
April 26-29, 2012

Join the NHMA network of health providers and government and private sector partners and learn new strategies for effective health care delivery and policies for Hispanic populations.

National and international experts will present on current innovations in medical homes, accountable care organizations, health insurance exchanges, prevention, integrative care, e-health, and cultural competence for the growing Hispanic populations in the U.S. Disease areas include diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer and more. CME credits to be provided.

Who should attend: physicians, hospital and health system CEOs, federal government, insurance and pharmaceutical company administrators, health educators, medical education faculty, health professionals, residents, health professional students and others interested in planning and implementing health and behavioral health and prevention programs for our communities as their demand for services will rise across the nation