People Share Their Thoughts on Getting the HPV Vaccine to Help Prevent Certain Types of Cancer Later in Life

Each week on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, CURE® asks its readers to share their thoughts with a #CureConnect discussion question.

This past week, we asked: “What are your thoughts on getting the HPV vaccine to help prevent certain types of cancer later in life?”

Here’s what some of our readers shared:

• “I turn 50 in April and had the HPV vaccine shot series last fall due to abnormalities and HPV randomly showing up in my pap exams for several years now. As a 10-year cancer survivor, I'm willing to try anything that might help prevent another form of cancer for me.” – T.T-R.
• “I had early-stage cervical cancer — twice. Diagnosed with HPV, probably received from my ex-husband. I was in my mid to late 30s. The second time my OB/GYN told me that some women — even though they were older than the recommended age bracket to receive the vaccine — took the shots and it helped keep HPV at bay. It was worth a try to help save my life. I talked to a lady who faced similar circumstances and she got the vaccine and it kept her HPV away. Since 2008, I have been without HPV after having the vaccines — and thank god, no more cervical cancer. To each their own choice — mine was best for me and it worked (so far).” – T.A.
• “I recommend the HPV vaccine. I was diagnosed with HPV-positive cervical cancer at 23. I didn’t have the vaccine. If I did, my cancer wouldn’t have happened, and I wouldn’t have had my fertility stolen from me with a hysterectomy at 23.” – L.L.
• “If it had been available when I was young, I would have taken it.” – V.C.
• “I wish it was available when I was younger. I would have received it. I was diagnosed with HPV-related cervical cancer just before my 32nd birthday.” – T.C.
• “I wish I would have done it. ‘What are the chances of me getting that cancer?’ Cue 10 years later when I was diagnosed with stage 3B endocervical adenocarcinoma at 24, then a metastatic recurrence in my lungs at 25. I lost my fertility, I have irreversible radiation damage, osteoporosis, lymphedema. The list goes on and on but hey, I’m alive.” – M.N.
• “As a cervical cancer survivor, I wish it would have been available when I was younger. I truly hope parents will make the choice to vaccinate their children.” – T.R.
• “I'm a survivor of deadly uterine papillary serous carcinoma. I had been diagnosed with cancer-causing HPV about five years prior. Yes, give the vaccine to young people.” – J.H.

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