The founder and lead surgeon of Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology talks about the benefits.

Lewisville, TX – While most people say they’d do anything to prevent cancer in themselves and most especially their children, not everyone is rushing to safeguard against the dangers of the human papilloma virus, or HPV for short. This highly common virus has been readily linked to a number of different cancers. There’s now a vaccine that may help stop the infection in its tracks while preventing cancer in the process.

“HPV has been strongly linked to cervical cancer, certain cancers of the mouth and others,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology. “Vaccines can prevent these cancers from forming, but they’re not being taken advantage of in the numbers healthcare providers would like to see.”

HPV vaccines have been most widely publicized as helping prevent cervical cancer. This disease strikes an estimated 12,000 American women annually and claims about 4,000 lives over the course of a year. Given the strong connection between HPV and cervical cancer, HPV vaccinations are strongly recommended for girls, but boys too may benefit.

“HPV vaccinations are now recommended for all girls and boys both starting around the age of 11,” says Dr. Echt. “This is simply because of HPV’s link to cancers that can affect everyone, such as oral cancers.”

HPV vaccinations are given in a series of three shots. It is typically recommended that vaccines be given before the age of sexual maturity because HPV tends to be sexually transmitted. While the recommended age for the vaccine is 11, older children and young adults may still benefit from its protective nature.

“HPV-related cancers can be largely prevented if vaccines are given in a timely manner,” says Dr. Echt. “With that in mind, it is strongly recommended that all parents speak with their children’s healthcare providers about the benefits this vaccine may provide.”

About Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group
The Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group has state-of-the-art facilities that offer individualized care to patients throughout North Texas. With a team of expert oncologists and other specialists on staff, the Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group treats a variety of cancers and blood disorders with an eye towards the newest advancements available in diagnostic technology and treatments.