VISN 2: Veterans' Wellness, Summer 2007

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VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2

Summer 2007

VA Wellness Programs

Ask the Expert:
A Vaccine for
Cervical Cancer

This issue's expert:
Kathy Prividera, M.S., R.N. Women Veterans Program Manager for VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York,

Q: What is HPV?
A: HPV (human papillomavirus) is a family of viruses (about 40 types) that spreads through skin contact. It represents the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. Four strains of HPV cause 70 percent of all cervical cancers, the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women around the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50 percent of sexually active men and women are infected with HPV at some time in their lives.

Q: How do I know if I have it and how can it be treated?
A: Prevention is the key. There’s no treatment for HPV infection, but the conditions it causes can be treated. An annual Pap test, which screens for cervical cancer, as recommended by your VA health care provider, helps ensure that any abnormal cells will be found and treated before they become cancerous.

Q: What about that new “vaccine” advertised on TV?
A: The HPV vaccine (Gardasil) protects against the four major types of HPV. It can prevent most genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer, but not all types.

Q: Who should be vaccinated with Gardasil?
A: Girls should be vaccinated before they become sexually active and exposed to HPV. Talk with your VA provider. Recommendations vary, beginning at age 9 for girls who are at high risk. The vaccine is generally recommended for all females ages 13 to 26.

Q: Is Gardasil safe?
A: As with any medication or vaccine, always tell your VA provider if you have a history of allergies. According to the CDC, HPV vaccine doesn’t appear to have serious side effects but will continue to be monitored for unusual problems.

Q: Where can I get more information?
A: Ask your VA provider, call your local health department or visit the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/std/hpv*.

Q: Is the vaccine available at the VA?
A: Yes, for women veterans up to age 26. Discuss this option with your VA provider.

VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York is dedicated to improving the health of our veterans.

To help you stay healthy and informed, we are pleased to offer the following wellness programs designed especially for veterans.

Stress Management
Individual counseling is available to help you manage your stress. For more information, call:

Diabetes Management
Develop self-management tools, learn tips on nutrition and exercise to reduce your risk of diabetic complications. For more information, call:

Understanding Your Medications
Individual counseling is offered for veterans who need help managing medications. For more information, call:

Depression and the Elderly
Individual and group counseling is available to help veterans deal with late-life depression. For more information, call:

Dementia Care Services
Held quarterly in Albany and monthly in Buffalo, the workshop covers a variety of dementia-related topics of interest to patients and caregivers.
For more information, call:

MOVE! Program
This national weight-management program is designed to help veterans lose weight, keep it off and improve their health. For more information, visit www.move.va.gov or call:

* Links will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked web sites. The link will open in a new window.

Reviewed/Updated Date: July 27, 2007