The burden of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) disease can be devastating. While the rampant infection leaves most unscarred, the network of more than 150 related viruses instigate the manifestation of genital warts, cancers and other health problems in thousands each year. Additionally, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), which presses the need for girls and boys to get vaccinated against HPV.

Like Herpes, intimate skin-to-skin contact is all it takes for the spread of HPV. Many sexually active women and men contract HPV at some point in their lives. For most, the infection passes without knowledge that it was received. However, when HPV doesn't go away it can cause cell mutations in infected areas, evolving into cervical cancer, or cancers of the anus, throat, penis, vagina or vulva years or decades after a person becomes infected with HPV. Unfortunately, it's impossible to predict who will develop cancer or other diseases, and who won't.

"In the 1990s, researchers were able to establish that cervical cancer was caused by HPV," Dr. Melissa Ruiz, a specialist in pediatrics at Kaiser Permanente, told Latin Post. "We now know that the majority of penile, anal and a certain type of throat cancer are also caused by HPV. In 2006, a vaccine that is very effective in preventing HPV infection was approved.

"I think people often don't realize that HPV infection is incredibly common. There are over 40 different types of HPV that affect the genital area and the majority of sexually active adults will be infected at some point in their lives. Most of these infections won't produce symptoms and will go away on their own. But some will persist and can cause genital warts and a number of different types of cancer. Each year in the US, there are about 26,000 cancers diagnosed in men and women that are caused by HPV."

Kaiser Permanente has a proactive immunization policy, recommending that its members are regularly brought up to date for recommended vaccines during preventive care and routine clinic visits. According to the Dr. Ruiz, the HPV vaccine that protects against 4 HPV strains is nearly 100 percent effective in preventing cervical cancer and genital warts in women. Also, it's 90 percent effective in preventing genital warts and 75 percent in preventing anal cancers in men. It is given to patients in a series of three vaccines over a six month period. The immunity appears to be lifelong, so once a person has received the the injections, they won't require a booster.

The vaccine is recommended to all adolescent boy and girls because it protects against HPV infection, as well as a number of known cancers. Youth between the ages of 11 and 12 are advised to receive the vaccine, but anyone below the age of 26 is eligible. Most insured individuals should be able to gain access to the vaccine, and all children under 19 years and eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program should be able to obtain the vaccine at either their local public health department or a federally qualified health center, according to the expert.

The VFC program is available to children who are underinsured, uninsured or eligible for Medicaid. Depending on programs in specific states, cities or counties, undocumented adults also may be eligible for vaccination. In Los Angeles, for example, uninsured individuals are eligible for My Health LA and should be able to access the vaccine through that service. Residents can learn more by speaking to their local health department. HPV-related cancer rates are higher in communities of color due to many factors, including socio-economic factors, limited access to healthcare, and infrequency of screening.

"HPV cancers affect Black and Hispanic women more often than White, non-Hispanic women," said the said Dr. Ruiz, who is based in Southern California. "Women of color are diagnosed with cervical cancer at a later stage than White women, and Black women, specifically, are more likely to die from cervical cancer than women of other races or ethnicities. Hispanic women have the highest rates of cervical cancer in the United States. For every 100,000 women living in the U.S., about 11 Hispanic women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, compared to only seven non-Hispanic women."

Dr. Ruiz added that HPV-infected individuals should discuss their diagnosis with their medical provider. Also, women diagnosed with high-risk HPV should follow-up with healthcare providers and schedule regular pap smears and screenings. HPV-infected men are encouraged to use condoms during sexual encounters, and should avoid having sex if they have a visible sore or wart. Additionally, sexual history, health and risk for STIs should be discussed by sex partners before they engage in sex.

"As a final note, we have a vaccine that prevents an infection that causes cancer," said the pediatrician. "If most adolescents were to get vaccinated, we have the potential to eliminate cervical cancer and reduce the number of many other cancers significantly. Please get vaccinated yourself or have your children vaccinated today."

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