There are Thousands of Women Like Joey Feek
I didn’t know Joey Feek of the country duo Joey + Rory personally, but along with thousands or maybe even millions who learned of her recent death from cervical cancer, I was sad that such a young and vibrant wife and mother was taken from her family, friends and fans.
As I read more about her, I realized how much we had in common. I’m the same age as her. She and I are both mothers. But there is one more thing that we likely had in common: HPV.
Joey Feek died of cervical cancer, which is caused by abnormal cells on the cervix that often multiply at a high rate from HPV infection.
You see, I had HPV in my twenties, too. By some stroke of random luck, I had a strain that wasn’t cancerous. Joey Feek wasn’t that lucky.
I am still able to hug my husband at night and tuck my kids into bed. It breaks my heart to think of another mother my age who had many years of these treasured memories taken from her.
It is estimated that about 12,990 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2016, and about 4,120 women will die from cervical cancer.
That’s 4,120 women taken too soon. 4,120 women who likely have a lot in common with Joey Feek, too.
There is something we can do to prevent the next generation from knowing this suffering, heartbreak and loss. A recent study indicated that the HPV9 vaccine has been found to be 97 percent effective in reducing HPV infections that can lead to cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers caused by HPV.
The HPV vaccine was introduced 10 years ago, and has dramatically reduced infections with the virus that causes cervical cancer and genital warts. HPV also causes penile cancer, anal cancer, and cancer of the back of the throat in both men and women. Preventing HPV is also preventing cancer.
We all have dreams for the future, and for parents, many of those dreams involve the futures of our children. Whether they dream of going to college, traveling the world, or being an astronaut, it's safe to say that becoming a cancer patient probably isn't on the list.
Cancer can be prevented through routine vaccination with three doses of HPV vaccine for all 11 and 12-year-old boys and girls. Young men and women can be vaccinated through age 26 if they missed one or more doses.
Vaccination at this age is optimal for two reasons: it provides protection before exposure to the virus occurs and studies show preteens have a higher immune response to the vaccine. This is important because it is estimated that 75% of new HPV infections occur among people 15–24 years of age. If not previously vaccinated, males and females through age 26 should also get vaccinated.
The HPV vaccine wasn’t available to me when I was growing up, and I was exposed to the virus in my first sexual encounter. I was embarrassed and ashamed. But now I know that HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease. In fact, 80% of sexually active adults will get HPV in their lifetime. Studies have shown that the virus can be spread through deep kissing and skin on skin contact. It’s time that we stop the stigma around HPV and start preventing it. The HPV vaccine is cancer prevention.
In honor of Joey Feek and her and Rory’s daughters, join me in preventing cancer in our children. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date with HPV vaccination, and make sure you schedule an annual exam for yourself. If you have concerns about the vaccine, discuss those with your healthcare provider, visit the HPVFreeNV section of our website or contact us at Immunize Nevada for resources.
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