GARDASIL®

Cervical Cancer—IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO THINK ABOUT IT

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is most common in teenagers and young adults. If a girl or young woman has HPV, and her body doesn’t clear the virus, cervical cancer can develop later in life.

THE LINK BETWEEN HPV AND CERVICAL CANCER

When a woman is infected with certain types of HPV, and the virus doesn’t go away on its own, abnormal cellsAbnormal cervical cellsAbnormal cervical cells are cells in the lining of the cervix that have changed in appearance. The more severe the cervical abnormality, the more likely it is that cervical cancer could develop in the future.
See Full Glossary can develop in the lining of the cervix. These abnormal cells could be identified through an abnormal Pap testPap testA Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, is part of the gynecological exam and helps detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have a chance to become precancers or cervical cancer.
See Full Glossary. But if they aren't found early and treated, precancersPrecancersPrecancers are highly abnormal cervical cells that have a high likelihood of becoming cervical cancer.
See Full Glossary and then cervical cancer could develop.

Pap tests look for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become precancers or cervical cancer. In general, the more severe the abnormal cells, the more likely it is that cervical cancer will develop in the future.

Some facts about HPV:

• Cervical cancer, abnormal Pap tests and genital warts can be caused by certain types of HPV.
• About 75% of sexually active Canadians will have at least one HPV infection during their lifetime.
• Because people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms, they can pass on the virus without even knowing it.
• Anyone is at risk of developing an HPV infection, and it’s most common in teenagers and young adults.
• Men and women have about a 10% risk of developing genital warts in their lifetimes.
• Limiting your number of sexual partners, using condoms regularly and properly, and vaccinating against 4 types of HPV can all help prevent HPV infection.

Did you know?

In Canada, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women aged 20 to 44. In 2001, more than 1350 Canadian women were diagnosed with cervical cancer.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GARDASIL®

GARDASIL® is a vaccine indicated in girls and women 9-26 years of age, for the prevention of infection caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 and the following diseases associated with these types: cervical cancer, abnormal and precancerous cervical cells, vaginal and vulvar cancers, abnormal and precancerous vaginal and vulvar cells, and genital warts. 

GARDASIL® helps prevent these diseases but it does not treat them. And just like all vaccines, GARDASIL® may not fully protect everyone who gets it. GARDASIL® does not protect against all types of HPV. Duration of protection over the long term has not been established. Vaccination with GARDASIL® is not recommended during pregnancy.

Like all vaccines, GARDASIL® may cause some side effects. GARDASIL® has been shown to be generally well tolerated in adults and children as young as 9 years old. The most commonly reported side effects in girls and women included pain, swelling, itching, bruising and redness where the shot was given. Fever, nausea, dizziness, headache and vomiting were also reported. Allergic reactions may occur.

Even if you get vaccinated with GARDASIL®, it is still important to continue having regular Pap tests.

Only a healthcare professional can decide if GARDASIL® is right for you or your daughter.

Read the Patient Product Information or the Prescribing InformationTo retrieve this information you will be re-directed to a page within our main Merck Frosst Website which contains Product Monographs, Prescribing Information, Product Information and Consumer Information approved by Health Canada. Click here to go to the Gardasil® page on MerckFrosst.com for more information.