Can you really become “one less”?
Merck is making headlines with its "one less" advertising campaign for Gardasil, the vaccine that guards against the sexually transmitted disease HPV. The ad claims that you can become one less person afflicted by the virus that causes cervical cancer.
"You may become that one less person," says
Randolph Deger, MD, gynecologic oncologist, Virtua Health. "But we have to keep in mind that there are more than 100 different strains and types. And, this vaccine only protects against four strains."
These include two high-risk strains, responsible for about 70 percent of cervical cancer, and two low-risk strains, responsible for about 90 percent of genital wart cases. Low-risk strains will not typically lead to cervical cancer.
"Roughly 5.5 million people in the United States are newly infected each year," says Dr. Deger. "And, most don't even realize they have the disease since they don't experience any symptoms. There is no cure for HPV; although in most women, the infection goes away on its own."
Gardasil has been approved for females ages 9 to 26. The vaccination is administered in three shots over a six-month period and works best when given to women before becoming sexually active. Researchers are now working to develop the vaccination for males and extended age groups.
For more information or to make an appointment with a Virtua gynecologist, call 1-888-Virtua-3.
PATIENT PROFILE
Randolph Deger, MD, is board certified in gynecologic oncology, obstetrics and gynecology, and hospice and palliative medicine. He earned his medical degree from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Dr. Deger completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology and a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. His research has been published in several medical journals.