Vaccines for Cancer Prevention

An oncogenic virus (or oncovirus) is a virus that can cause cancer. These include HIV, HPV (Human Papillomavirus), some herpes viruses, hepatitis B and C viruses, Epstein-Barr Virus, and retroviruses. About 12 out of 100 cases of cancer worldwide are caused by viruses. If infection with these viruses can be prevented, the cancers they can cause could be prevented as well. In the case of HPV and hepatitis, there are vaccines to help prevent infection with these viruses, but they must be given before a person is exposed to the virus to work.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

• The hepatitis B virus causes liver disease, which can range from a mild illness (that you may not even know you have) to a lifelong illness that can lead to serious liver damage, liver failure, and/or liver cancer.
• Hepatitis B is spread through contact with the blood, semen, or other body fluids of an infected person. It is not spread through water, sharing of eating utensils, coughing, or sneezing.
• The vaccine to prevent hepatitis B is a series of two to three shots, given over 1 to 4 months.
• The vaccine is recommended for all infants and individuals under age 18 who have not been vaccinated, or anyone who has not been infected or is already immune and is at high risk for infection.

HPV Vaccine

• Almost all cases of cervical cancer and 85 out of 100 cases of anal cancers, as well as many vulvar, vaginal, penile, and head and neck cancers, are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus or HPV. HPV also causes most pre-cancerous changes. These changes can be found by getting Pap testing.
• HPV is a virus that is often called a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but you do not need to have intercourse to get HPV or give it to your partner. HPV can be passed during vaginal or anal penetration, oral sex, genital skin-to-skin sexual contact, or genital touching (masturbation), and other ways. About 80 out of 100 sexually active people will get HPV at some time in their lives. Most people's immune systems will fight off the infection, but for some, it stays in their system and can lead to abnormalities and possibly cancer.
• There are over 200 strains (types) of HPV. Some strains cause genital warts. About 13 strains can lead to cancer.
• Getting the HPV vaccine prevents new HPV infections. It does not treat existing HPV infections or diseases.
• In the US, the Gardasil 9 vaccine is used. This protects against 9 strains of HPV that are linked to cancer. It is given in 2 or 3 doses, based on your age when you start getting the vaccine. The HPV vaccine is recommended for all people ages 11 to 26. It is approved for use up to age 45 if you were not vaccinated when you were younger. You should discuss this with your healthcare provider.
• The vaccine will not prevent all HPV infections and will not treat an HPV infection. For this reason, it is important to have a cervical cancer screening when your provider recommends it.
• The vaccine should be given before a person becomes sexually active and is likely to be exposed to HPV.

Both the Hepatitis B vaccine and the HPV vaccine can lower your risk of cancers caused by these viruses. In the US, it is estimated that somewhere between 850,000 to 2 million people have chronic Hepatitis B. The younger a person is when infected with hepatitis B, the greater the chance it will become a chronic infection, so it is recommended to get the vaccine early. Talk to your healthcare provider about when you or your child should get vaccinated.