There are almost 6 million new cases of human papillomavirus (HPV) every

year.



A projected 74 percent of them occur within the ages of 15 to 24,

according to Gardasil.com.



HPV is a sexually transmitted disease transmitted through genital contact

that affects both men and women and causes hundreds of viruses. The

symptoms often do not show, but when they do, they are revealed in

low-risk and high-risk variations, as stated by the Center for Disease

Control (CDC).



A low-risk virus of HPV develops genital warts, which never turn into

cancer.



High-risk viruses are those that cause cancer. The most common of these

causes cervical cancer, but the symptoms do not show until the cancer is

relatively advanced.



"It is very important for women to get an annual Pap test done," Dr. Mary

Buchwalder, medical director at the Health Center, said because Pap tests

detect the HPV viruses that cause cancer. Buchwalder held an

informational meeting on campus Wednesday to discuss HPV and solutions.



The CDC has also stated that if someone has not been sexually active for

years, they can still pass on HPV to their partner.



Gardasil is a new vaccine that protects against four virus types of HPV

that most commonly result in cervical cancer through a series of three

vaccination shots spread out over a six month period.



"It is licensed for girls and women ages 9 through 26," Buchwalder said. "It has not yet been adequately studied in men or women of other ages."



There are up to 30 HPV viruses that can cause cervical cancer. The

vaccine protects against the four of them that cause 70 percent of

cervical cancer cases, but does not treat either cervical cancer or

genital warts, as stated on the Gardasil Web site.



"Even if someone has already possibly been exposed to one of the HPV

types in the vaccine, they likely have not been exposed to all four

types," Buchwalder said.



She also said that while Gardasil does not completely prevent cervical

cancer, it does greatly reduce the risk.



"Gardasil causes the body to create antibodies that protect from

infection," Buchwalder said. As with any medicine or vaccine, there are a

few side effects and risks, including nausea, dizziness and fever.



"The most common side effect is fainting within a few minutes of the

injection," Buchwalder said. "The vaccine is generally well tolerated.

The risk of a serious reaction is very rare."



There is still some controversy about the new vaccine, according to

MedicalNewsToday.com. Many mothers are hesitant to let their young

daughters receive it because it could give their girls a false idea of

protection from STDs at such a young age. The vaccine is also considered

pricy for some parents, totaling around $500 with doctors' expenses.



For more information on Gardasil, contact Buchwalder at the Health

Center, go to the Center for Disease Control Web site www.cdc.gov or look

on www.Gardasil.com.