Washington Post articles in April 2017 noted how children should have the HPV vaccination as a youngster (around the age of 11-12), prior to sexual contact exposure. Actor, Michael Douglas believes that his throat cancer was contracted through oral sex. This may seem like an embarrassing topic and uncomfortable to bring up to your children, it is however important to educate yourself as a parent. Protecting your children from the unknown of sexually transmitted infections that may plague them long term, if not for life, affecting their health and well being.
Recently, the CDC reported that 1 in 5 adults have the HPV cancer agent. With over 14 million new infections reported annually, parents should consider vaccinating their young children. Cervical cancer statistics have remained stable however, HPV related cancer rates are increasing among teenagers and adults. Don’t be too alarmed, many infections that occur annually will go away on their own without causing symptoms that will ultimately lead to cancer. For more information: www.cdc.gov/hpv
