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Genital human papillomavirus (HPV).
The Gardasil^® vaccine.

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Disclaimer:

The author has no significant medical training. Although the following information was extracted from information sources believed to be accurate, you should not make personal decisions based on this section's contents. Please consult your medical practitioner.

 The genital human papillomavirus (HPV) and other viruses:

HPV consists of a large group of more than 100 different types of viruses ₅ that are passed from person to person during sexual activity. Some strains of the HPV virus can, over time, cause cervical and other forms of cancer. Cervical cancer used to be the leading cause of women's deaths from cancer. However, deaths have decreased significantly over the past four decades because more women are getting regular Pap tests, which can find cervical precancer before it becomes cancer, when it is more easily treatable. Still there were:

• 12,410 women in the U.S. diagnosed with cervical cancer in the U.S. during 2008 -- the most recent data available as of 2012-OCT.
• 4,008 women in the U.S. died of cervical cancer.

A vaccine has been developed that is effective against about 70% of the dangerous strains of HPV. An ethical debate is developing over whether young girls should be allowed or required to take the vaccine at the age of 9 to 11 when it is most effectively given.

Topics covered in this section:

	The HPV virus: detection and preventing transmission
	Cervical cancer & the Gardasil® vaccine; initial reactions to the vaccine by religious & social conservatives
	More early objections to, & acceptance of, the Gardasil® HPV vaccine
	More early objections to, and acceptance of, the Gardasil HPV vaccine . Studies on whether vaccinated girls actually become promiscuous. Webmaster's comments

References used:

The following information sources are helpful sources of information on the HPV virus. The hyperlinks are not necessarily still active today.

1. "The basics about genital HPV & cervical cancer," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at: http://www.cdc.gov/
2. Chris Smith, "Herpes Simplex Virus Fact File," Health matters library, at: http://www.abc.net.au/
3. "HPV Vaccine Questions and Answers," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006-AUG, at: http://www.cdc.gov/
4. "Pap Test," U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2006-MAR, at: http://womenshealth.gov/

Copyright © 2007 to 2012 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Originally published: 2007-JAN-08
Last updated 2012-OCT-16
Author: Bruce A Robinson

 

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