Cancer Society releases guidelines

Sussex County -The American Cancer Society has released guidelines for the use of the HPV vaccine. Human Papiloma Virus is proved to cause cervical cancer in certain cases. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease and the American Cancer Society is recommending that females should be routinely vaccinated starting at age 12. The creation of the vaccine is considered a medical breakthrough in that it is the first vaccine for a precancerous condition. The agency is recommending the vaccine for all women, but is concentrating an effort in area where women do not have access to regular medical screenings. In addition, certain ethnic and cultural groups have a much higher incidence of cervical cancer and much higher death rates because they are less likely to receive an early diagnosis through regular PAP screening. This includes Latinos and people from certain Asian communities. The agency is working with other insurance companies and government agencies to encourage both the public an private sectors to address these disparities and find ways of making access to health care a priority. The American Cancer Society is urging parents to discuss the vaccine with their teenage daughters and to consider getting vaccinated.