Prevent Cancer in Adulthood During the Teen Years

This post is made possible with support from the American Cancer Society. All opinions are my own

I am not sure if you know this, but when I am not blogging, I work on healthcare. I have a Master in Public Health, and my passion has always been educating people about ways to prevent diseases. I have seen so many people affected by cervical cancer and other cancers that are preventable. I have seen people suffering, so that has made my decision to vaccinate my son for HPV easier.

You read that right—I gave my son a vaccine that can prevent cancer. The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and provides long-lasting protection for six types of cancers caused by HPV. It can prevent more than 90% of HPV cancers.

Our decision process?

At one of our checkup appointments for his annual physical, the doctor, my teen, and I had a conversation about the HPV vaccine. I think it is always smart to involve your teen in conversations that can affect his health. After the doctor recommended the HPV vaccine as a safe and effective way to prevent 6 types of cancer, we were all on board.

My son had a lot of questions because he had heard some rumors about the HPV vaccine, but when the doctor provided scientific data from the American Cancer Society, he was able to see the real facts and trusted both the doctor and my recommendation for the vaccine. I think it was a no brainer—a vaccine that prevents HPV and 6 types of cancer, yes please.

Time matters, the HPV vaccination is considered most effective when given to kids ages 9 – 12, so start thinking about it soon if your kids are in that age range.

I made the decision to vaccinate based on my knowledge and love for my son. Where are you with the decision?

Act now, have a conversation with your child’s doctor, and get the facts about HPV and cancer from the American Cancer Society.