Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer among women worldwide and is responsible for the deaths of nearly 4,000 women each year in the U.S. High-risk types of genital Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) are linked to cervical cancer. If the HPV vaccine is widely administered to girls before they become sexually active, cervical cancer can be radically reduced.
What is HPV?
What Do I Need to Know About the HPV Vaccine?
Where Can I Get the HPV Vaccine?
High Cost Limits Access to Cancer Prevention
There are about 100 different strains of HPV. Some types of HPV produce warts such as plantar warts on the feet and common hand warts. Others affect the genitals. HPV is so common that about three out of four people contract HPV at some point in their lives. Most HPV infections are not detected, go away by themselves and don't cause cancer.
However, a high-risk HPV strain that survives for many years in the body increases the risk of cervical cancer. If cervical cell changes are not detected and treated, they can lead to cervical cancer.
Learn more about HPV here.
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| What Do I Need to Know About the HPV Vaccine? |
The HPV vaccine is given in three separate injections over the course of six months. It protects against two types of HPV that cause 90 percent of all genital warts and two types of HPV that
cause 70 percent of all cervical cancer.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the HPV vaccine for girls and women from ages 9 to 26. The vaccine has also been shown to be effective for older women and young men.
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| Where Can I Get the HPV Vaccine? |
Planned Parenthood Golden Gate currently offers the HPV vaccine at our Eastmont and San Mateo clinics and we are working to expand access to all five Bay Area counties we serve. Call 1-800-967-PLAN (7526) to make an appointment.
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| High Cost Limits Access to Cancer Prevention |
Low-income women and women without insurance are the most likely to contract cervical cancer since they do not have access to regular cancer screening.
The HPV vaccine has the potential to stop the spread of cervical cancer, but at a cost of around $450 for the three shots needed, it is well beyond the means of many Bay Area families.
Access to life-saving vaccines should not be out of reach for low-income members of our community.
Our goal is to raise $450,000 to provide vaccines to 1,000 low-income women and girls. Every donation will bring us one step closer. Together, we can make a REAL difference in women's lives. Donate Today!
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