If you have a daughter you’ve probably heard something about a vaccine now available to help prevent cervical cancer by offering protection against the virus that is responsible for most cases. The virus HPV, human papillomavirus, is spread through sexual contact and the vaccine actually blocks two types of HPV before they can even begin. Researchers are recommending the vaccine be given to girls around 11 or 12 years of age, in three separate doses, so their immune systems can be activated and build up antibodies, prior to beginning sexual activity and being exposed to HPV. However, it is also recommended that the vaccine be given to older girls, those under 26, who are already sexually active, even if they’ve already been infected with HPV as it was effective in reducing the disease in clinical trials. The vaccine has proven to be very safe with very few side effects.

Are we, as parents, condoning the promiscuity of our children by making sure they have this immunization? Are we giving them a “green light,” similar to taking them to Planned Parenthood for birth control? Will it even continue to be a parental choice, if schools decide to make it a requirement for enrollment as part of routine childhood immunizations? Statistics alone would make a parent consider the choice. Cervical cancer is apparently the number one cause of death among women who die of cancer, striking about 10,000 women a year in the U.S. and causing as many as 4,000 deaths primarily in young women. However, study of this immunization has only been going on for about four years, according to one of my readers, which concerns him enough to put it off for his daughters until there is further research.

If you’ve adopted an older child than you may already be dealing with sexual activity issues. It is one of the ways young girls seek and receive attention from male figures, when they don’t have a strong, loving father figure in their lives. Unfortunately, many of our adopted children come from broken, dysfunctional homes where they’ve been exposed to adult topics at very young ages. While we can love these children and provide good role models for them, some of their behaviors cannot be eliminated. We can either pretend they aren’t happening or we can offer them the best protection we have at our disposal.

Routine screening for cervical cancer through regular pelvic exams and Pap tests remains an essential part of a woman's preventive health care.HPV spreads through sexual contact. To protect yourself from HPV, use a condom every time you have sex. It's also important to limit your number of sexual partners. Smoking doubles the risk of cervical cancer.

Read more on older child adoption.

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