Important vaccine can help prevent cancer

Summer has arrived and for many parents, it's time to schedule their child's annual physical. We want to take this time to explain how you can help your children prevent six different types of cancer in their future.

You see, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a very common virus. Some doctors think it's almost as common as the cold virus. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 79 million people are currently infected with HPV in the U.S. and about 14 million people in the U.S. get a new HPV infection every year.

In most people, the body clears the infection on its own. But sometimes, the infection doesn't go away. Chronic infection, especially when caused by certain high-risk HPV types, can cause cancer over time. Some types of HPV are known to cause cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus and parts of the mouth and throat.

Advancement in medicine has provided us a safe, effective vaccine - and when administered properly, it will protect our children's future from the possibility of these cancers in their adulthood.

We're asking parents of 11- and 12-year-old boys and girls to talk to their pediatrician about the HPV vaccine. If your child did not get vaccinated at that age, talk to your doctor about options. Get the facts. Help us eradicate the pain and suffering from cancer. For more science-based facts about HPV and the vaccine, you can visit www.cancer.org/HPV or call (800) 227-2345.

Although public health is the concern of our organization, as parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents of the next generation, we feel strongly about sharing the message of the suffering that can be saved.

Amy Jo Steinbruecker, Communications Director

Oakbrook Terrace Office of the American Cancer Society