Muleskinner

Issue date: 2/1/07 Section: News

A new vaccine may help prevent the world's most common cancer in women: cervical cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), cervical cancer has already affected 11,150 women this year.

Women from 9 to 26-years-old can receive Gardasil in a series of three shots over a six-month period.

Gardasil was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in June 2006.

The vaccine is shown to prevent four types of human papilloma virus (HPV), two of which are believed to cause 70 percent of cervical cancer cases, according to NCI. All four strains of HPV are responsible for 90 percent of genital wart cases.

"I'm definitely going to get [the vaccine]," said Shanna O'Brien a junior social work major.

O'Brien has discussed the issue with a nurse practitioner at the University Health Center. She has also seen advertisements on television promoting Gardasil.

"It sounds like a good preventative tool," O'Brien said.
Shannon Overfelt, senior special education major, has heard of Gardasil on news reports and health watches.

"I thought the main market was for younger girls, junior-high girls, not college-age women," Overfelt said. "It's a good idea though, a good thought."

"If it's beneficial toward women's health, then women should get it," Overfelt said.

Laurie Wilson, licensed practical nurse (LPN) and in charge of the immunization clinic at Central administers the Gardasil shot on campus.

"It's an amazing vaccine," Wilson said. "What we're really talking about here is HPV, and there really are no warning signs."

"It's a pretty pricey shot, but we are finding many insurance companies are reimbursing for it," said Becky Steckel, assistant director of Health Services. "The vaccine is about $150 to $160 bucks a shot, and all three that's close to $500. It's a lot of money for a college student so check with your insurance company before receiving the vaccine. "

The National Cancer Institute recommends women receive a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear during pelvic exams after they begin having intercourse and no later than the age of 21. The Pap smear will test for any cancerous or precancerous cells, along with additional infections.

Regular pelvic exams allow for early detection of possible cervical cancer and other abnormalities. According to NCI, cervical cancer can be cured if it is caught early enough.
When women receive positive HPV results after a Pap smear, it leaves them in shock because there are no signs of having a virus, Wilson said.

"This vaccine covers the four main HPVs that can cause cancer if not treated," Wilson said.

Wilson also said women who have had one of the HPVs are still eligible to get the shot.

Wilson recommends all women consider the vaccine and ask questions. Pamphlets are available at the Health Center, and Wilson suggested women attend the Wellness Fair in March to receive any additional information on Gardasil.

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