I think everybody wants to have a cure for cancer someday or, preferably, not get cancer in the first place. So it’s important to recognize that vaccines have a role to play in both prevention against certain forms of cancer and protection for people with cancer. When people skip routine vaccination, they may not be considering the long-term consequences of some of those decisions. The American Cancer Society issued a statement recently that says it a lot better than I can:

American Cancer Society Public Health Statement on the Importance of Vaccination to the Cancer Community

The American Cancer Society (ACS) strongly supports the critical role of vaccination in promoting public health and protecting communities impacted by cancer. Vaccines are an essential part of care for people with cancer and their families. Vaccines undergo extensive safety, effectiveness, and quality testing before becoming available. 

Vaccines are among the most effective tools we have to prevent disease, reduce suffering, and save lives. 

• Population-level immunity to infectious diseases is essential for safeguarding the health of people with chronic disease-related immunocompromise. Without adequate community vaccination coverage, people with cancer, cancer survivors, and their families risk preventable morbidity and mortality through participation in everyday activities. High vaccination rates ensure that these individuals remain protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. 
• Vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B are powerful cancer prevention tools. HPV vaccination provides protection from HPV-related cancers, including cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancer, while hepatitis B vaccination reduces the risk of liver cancer. The ACS currently recommends a 2-dose routine HPV vaccination beginning at ages 9–12 years, with catch-up vaccination through age 26 years for those who were not adequately vaccinated earlier. 
• Several cancer treatment vaccines have shown promise in clinical trials across a wide range of disease sites. Research supporting novel therapeutic vaccines can provide new ways to improve survival from cancer. 

Increased access and broad uptake of safe and effective vaccinations save lives and reduces the burden of cancer for future generations. The American Cancer Society supports science-based immunization recommendations and policies that protect all communities.

Help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

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