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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
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Too old for HPV vaccine — am I at risk?
Originally Published: August 29, 2008
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Dear Alice,
I am 28 years old, and became sexually active 2 years ago. My husband is the only man I've ever had sex with, and I am his only sexual partner as well. Where does the gene or whatever it is that the HPV vaccine helps guard against come from? Because I'm too old to get the vaccine, are my chances of getting cervical cancer from this particular gene increased then? Thank you for your help.
Dear Reader, First, to clear up some confusion: although the likelihood of getting some types of cancer may be passed down through genes, cervical cancer is not one of them. Instead, most cases of cervical cancer are caused by different strains, or types, of a virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV). The vaccine protects against the four most common strains of HPV, two of which are associated with cervical cancer (HPV itself is not a form of cancer, it is a virus). Second, being over the recommended age for receiving the vaccine does not mean you are necessarily at increased risk of getting cervical cancer; read on to find out why. HPV does not come from a gene, nor does it affect any genes. Rather, transmission of the HPV virus most often occurs via skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. HPV is a common viral infection, however many infected people never have any symptoms and the virus clears from the system on its own. In some people, HPV will cause symptoms, which can include genital warts (for men and women) or lesions on the cervix (for women). It is these lesions that sometimes lead to cervical cancer. The vaccine protects uninfected women against types 16 and 18 of the HPV virus, which have been shown to cause about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases. It also protects against types 6 and 11, the two strains most commonly associated with genital warts. While the vaccine provides protection against HPV to uninfected people, it is not a cure for people who already have been infected with these strains. Being too old to receive the HPV vaccine does not mean that you are more likely to get HPV. In fact, age may be an asset; the vaccine was approved first for younger women (ages 9 to 26) primarily because younger women have a higher risk of being infected with HPV. This increased risk may be due to the immaturity of younger women's cervical cells, which can be more susceptible to HPV infection. Additional versions of the vaccine, for men and for women over 26, are currently being researched. Risk factors that can make someone more likely to contract HPV include:
Vaccinated or not, having regular Pap smears, a simple test of cells from a woman's cervix, is a good way to find any cervical abnormalities before they become dangerous. Women should have an initial Pap smear within three years of having sex or at age 21, and can then discuss with their health care providers about how often to have subsequent exams. Columbia students who are interested can discuss the vaccine with their primary care provider by making an appointment through Open Communicator or calling x4-2284. Even if you are at low risk for getting cervical cancer, you may want to consult with your health care provider about whether the vaccine or other prevention measures are right for you. The vaccine is a great option for some women, however it is not the only way to protect yourself from HPV. Having regular pap smears, limiting the number of sexual partners, and practicing safer sex can all go a long way in steering clear of HPV, and the warts and/or cervical lesions that may result.
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