How the HPV Vaccine Prevents Cancer

The word “cancer” evokes a powerful sense of fear when we think about our health. However, it’s important to remember we have more control than we might realize. An estimated 40% of all cancers are preventable with lifestyle and behavioral changes, according to American Cancer Society researchers.

But some cancers—those caused by HPV (human papillomavirus)—may be completely avoidable with a simple vaccine.

Robert A. Bednarczyk, PhD, a cancer epidemiologist with Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, says that, with vaccination, cancers caused by HPV could be a thing of the past.

“Every year in the United States, we see about 40,000 new cases of cancers linked to HPV,” says Dr. Bednarczyk. “The HPV vaccine gives our immune system a head-start so that if we are exposed to HPV and its cancer-causing infections it's easier to fight them off before they lead to cancer.”

Dr. Bednarczyk, who serves as a researcher with Winship Cancer Institute's Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program and associate professor of global health at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, wants everyone to know that the HPV vaccine is safe, effective and very good at cancer prevention. 

HPV is a family of about 200 different viruses spread by skin-to-skin contact, especially during sexual activity. It’s considered a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be spread non-sexually as well.

When it comes to HPV, prevention is critical for a variety of factors. Most people infected with HPV experience no symptoms and don’t realize they have it. Some may develop genital warts, and others may later learn they have more serious problems caused by HPV. Outside of HPV tests that screen for cervical cancer, there is not an approved HPV test to find out if someone has the virus. There is also no treatment for the virus itself.

HPV-related viruses can cause a variety of diseases. Infections caused by HPV lead to changes at the body’s cellular level, which can cause several types of cancer. The most common types of HPV-associated cancers include:

• Anal cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Penile cancer
• Throat (oropharyngeal) cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer

Not everyone with HPV will develop cancer. However, only one of the HPV-associated cancers has a screening test available, so they are difficult to detect early. That’s why HPV vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent these cancers.

The expert care teams at Winship Cancer Institute help patients navigate cancer diagnosis and care. Dr. Bednarczyk joins dozens of other experts as part of Winship Cancer Institute's Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program to research ways to improve cancer prevention and quality of care.

The HPV vaccine works by making your body’s immune system think it’s been infected with HPV. When this happens, your immune system produces proteins called antibodies. These antibodies then fight actual infections if your body is exposed.

Though “newer” compared to some vaccines, Dr. Bednarczyk says the HPV vaccine is actually decades old and went through extensive testing and clinical trials before its approval. “The HPV vaccine has been available in the U.S. since 2006—for comparison, it’s older than the iPhone,” Dr. Bednarczyk says. “And in study after study, it's been shown to be safe and effective and an excellent way to prevent six different types of cancers.”

How does the HPV vaccine prevent cancer? Essentially, it stops cancer before it starts. “The HPV vaccine gives our immune system a head-start so that if we are exposed to HPV and its cancer-causing infections it's easier to fight them off before they lead to cancer,” says Dr. Bednarczyk.

The HPV vaccine originally was recommended for girls and young women—now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the HPV vaccine for boys and girls ages nine to 26.

“We're finding that by encouraging vaccination at age nine, we can do a better job of getting everybody all the doses of the vaccine they need,” Dr. Bednarczyk says.

Most children will need two doses of the vaccine for complete protection. Children beginning the vaccination series at age 15 may need three doses. Dr. Bednarczyk says it’s important to talk with your doctor about the recommendation for your child.

He also says that there’s good reason to vaccinate young people against a virus that’s commonly transmitted through sexual activity—even if you’re sure they aren’t sexually active. “The important thing to remember is a vaccine works when you get it before exposure,” Dr. Bednarczyk says. “It’s like when we drive. We shouldn’t wait until we see the car in front of us hit its brakes to say, ‘I should put my seatbelt on now.’ We put our seatbelt on first as a matter of prevention, just in case.

“That’s what vaccines are. They're a matter of prevention. We should get the vaccine before there is an opportunity for exposure to these viruses.” 

While early HPV vaccination is most beneficial, the CDC says the vaccine may still offer benefits for people between the ages of 27 and 45. Dr. Bednarczyk suggests talking with your doctor about your risk for new HPV infections and the advantages of HPV vaccination.

For women, regular screening is important for cervical cancer detection. Emory Healthcare Gynecology offers the HPV vaccine, routine Pap tests and HPV testing for cervical cancer. Call 404-778-3401 to schedule an appointment.