The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center joined all of the nation's cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute in endorsing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to prevent cancers caused by the ubiquitous virus.
HPV infections are known to cause most cervical, anal, oropharyngeal and other genital cancers. Vaccines are available to prevent infections of certain strains of HPV and are recommended by the CDC for boys and girls at ages 11 or 12 years.
However, vaccination rates remain low in the U.S. The published statement reflects the Cancer Centers' message to parents, adolescents and health care providers about the importance of HPV vaccination.