AMARILLO, TEXAS -- A vaccine usually given to protect women against cervical cancer is now being expanded to help protect men and women against anal cancer.
Gardasil protects against 4 types of the human papilloma virus that can cause throat, neck, head and cervical cancers. The most recent research from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it also prevents the type of virus that creates anal cancer. Doctors say getting the Gardasil vaccination is extremely important.
"Its one of the only ways that we have to effectively prevent cancer. Its 3 shots, they're not the most comfortable shots, but far more easier than getting those cancer treatments involved with those diseases. And it's extremely effective in cutting the risk of those cancers," said Dr. John Gwozdz, Radiation Oncologist with Texas Oncologysaid Dr. John Gwozdz, Radiation Oncologist with Texas Oncology.
Doctors are recommending children get the vaccine before becoming sexually active, even as young as 8 years old, and says adults up to 26 can get the vaccine.
