The HPV Vaccine Controversy: Sex, Cancer, God, and Politics: A Guide for Parents, Women, Men, and Teenagers

The Human Papilloma Virus, so-called HPV, is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted diseases in America, with more than 20 million infected now and more than 6 million new cases detected each year. It is estimated that at least 50 percent of all sexually active people will be infected during their lifetimes. And while the "silent" disease may cause no symptoms in most cases, two strains of HPV cause some 70 percent of all cervical cancer, which strikes more than 10,000 women in the United States alone each year. So it is with great fanfare that an HPV vaccine, tested around the world and approved by the US government in 2006, is being marketed. But controversy surrounds the vaccine, which is being recommended for girls as young as 9 and may be mandated by state governments. In this timely book, Shobha Krishnan, M.D., of Barnard College at Columbia University, explains in layterms both the disease and the vaccine to parents, youths, women and men. A longtime gynecologist and family physician - as well as the mother of a young daughter - Krishnan also addresses the controversy, legislative aims to require the vaccine, and includes the pros and cons of anyone being inoculated. Krishnan also raises the issue of whether boys should be inoculated. Coverage across the book is comprehensive and spotlights the pros and cons of this new preventative medicine. Parents, teenagers, and young adults considering the HPV vaccine will find all of the answers to their questions in this book, which also features a chapter listing all of the questions asked, and answers given, when Krishnan ran an informational clinic for college students curious about the disease and the vaccine. The book alsoaddresses the need for vaccine booster shots, what is known about side effects, and whether or not it can protect boys from contracting or transmitting the virus, or getting genital warts. In addition, a final chapter highlights some of the personal stories and anecdotes of cervical cancer from women in developing countries, and the role the vaccines could play in those countries.

The Human Papilloma Virus, so-called HPV, is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted diseases in America, with more than 20 million infected now and more than 6 million new cases detected each year. It is estimated that at least 50 percent of all sexually active people will be infected during their lifetimes. And while the silent disease may cause no symptoms in most cases, two strains of HPV cause some 70 percent of all cervical cancer, which strikes more than 10,000 women in the United States alone each year. So it is with great fanfare than an HPV vaccine, tested around the world and approved by the US government in 2006, is being marketed. But controversy surrounds the vaccine, which is being recommended for girls as young as 9 and may be mandated by state governments. In this timely book, Shobha Krishnan, M.D., of Barnard College, Columbia University - a longtime gynecologist and family physician, and mother of a young daughter - explains in layterms both the disease and vaccine to parents, youths, men and women. She also addresses the controversy, legislative aims to require the vaccine, and another vaccine to hit the market this year. Krishnan also raises the issue of whether boys should get the vaccine. Coverage across the book is comprehensive and addresses both the pros and cons of anyone being innoculated.