Protect Yourself From Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections – like human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis and HIV – can cause a number of different cancers. Protecting against these infections can lower risk. Try to always practice safer sex, which lowers the chance of getting a sexually transmitted infection. It’s also important to follow HPV vaccine recommendations for children and adults. Boys and girls should get vaccinated at 9 to 12 years old, which helps prevent cancer later in life. But the vaccine is recommended up to age 26, and can be given up to age 45.

                                                                                     Tips

• Make sure your healthcare provider includes the HPV vaccine as part of your child’s regular vaccinations. If not, ask for it.

• If you’re an adult and haven’t had the HPV vaccine, talk to a provider about getting it. If you’re not sure if you’ve had the vaccine, ask your parents or try to find a copy of your vaccine record.