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Cancer Plan: Sexual Health
Certain sexually transmitted diseases, including human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B (HBV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are associated with cancer. Certain types of HPV, specifically HPV-16 and HPV-18, are the major causes of cervical cancer and may also play a role in cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, and penis. Hepatitis viruses, particularly HBV, have been linked to liver cancers, and HIV has been linked with lymphoma, anal cancer, and Kaposi’s sarcoma. Risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) include unprotected sexual contact and multiple partners.
Currently, early detection of certain HPV types, such as HPV-16 and -18 is the standard for prevention of cervical cancer. However, with new technologies emerging for HPV-testing, the development of effective HPV vaccines, and increased awareness of HPV among the general public, there may be more emphasis on primary prevention of cervical cancer. Additionally, methods used to prevent other STDs will have some impact on reducing the incidence of HPV infection and, indirectly, the incidence of cervical cancer.
Goal: To reduce the risk of cervical and other cancers associated with sexually transmitted disease in Maine.
Objective 1: Reduce by 10% the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases associated with the development of cancer in Maine by 2010.
Baseline: 12 cases of Acute HBV incidence in Maine, Maine CDC STD Program, 2004; National HPV incidence estimate: 6.2 million.
Strategies
- Provide health care/social service professionals with at least five opportunities for HPV education.
- Promote public knowledge about HPV by developing and disseminating at least 500 fact sheets for females and health care professionals through collaboration between the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program, the Maine Comprehensive Cancer Program and the Maine HIV, STD and Viral Hepatitis Program.
- Increase the number of HIV and STD prevention interventions that target individuals at high risk for HPV, HBV and HIV infection.
- Conduct at least two public education campaigns to promote safer sex and/or vaccines by 2010.
- Seek funding for HPV vaccination.
Objective 2: Promote Hepatitis B vaccine for Maine children 19-35 months of age.
Baseline: 92% received 3 or more doses of hepatitis B vaccine, CDC National Immunization Survey, 2004.
Objective 3: Promote Hepatitis B vaccines for at-risk adults accessing STD clinics.
Strategies
- Implement at least two interventions annually to increase the number of children who receive Hepatitis B vaccine by the time they enter kindergarten.
- Provide at least two opportunities annually for people working with middle school children to learn more about viral hepatitis prevention and resources.
- Increase the proportion of sexually active adults who receive free Hepatitis B vaccine by 2010.
Objective 4: Increase abstinence to 60% among sexually active 9 – 12th graders by 2010
Baseline: 55%, MYRBS, 2005.
Objective 5: Increase condom use at last intercourse to 63% among sexually active 9 - 12th graders by 2010.
Baseline: 59%, MYRBS, 2005.
Strategies
- Implement Comprehensive School Health Education and a Coordinated School Health Program that includes an age appropriate comprehensive sex education curriculum.
- Provide sexuality counseling and education.
- Provide condoms and full family planning services through high school health center grantees.
- Conduct public education to promote condom use as a social/community norm.
- Seek funding to support and expand efforts.
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