Which vaccination is recommended to help prevent cancer and is commonly given during adolescence?

Which vaccination is recommended to help prevent cancer and is commonly given during adolescence?

• A. HPV vaccine
• B. HepB
• C. MMR
• D. Varicella

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is cancer prevention through targeted vaccination. The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus strains that can lead to cervical cancer and several other HPV-related cancers, as well as some precancerous conditions. Because it is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, it’s routinely recommended during adolescence, typically around ages 11–12, with catch-up options through the mid-20s (and beyond in some guidelines). The other vaccines prevent infectious diseases, not cancers, or they prevent liver cancer via a different infection risk but start earlier in life, so they don’t align with the adolescent cancer-prevention focus. Therefore, the HPV vaccine best fits the goal of reducing cancer risk during adolescence.

The main concept here is cancer prevention through targeted vaccination. The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus strains that can lead to cervical cancer and several other HPV-related cancers, as well as some precancerous conditions. Because it is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, it’s routinely recommended during adolescence, typically around ages 11–12, with catch-up options through the mid-20s (and beyond in some guidelines). The other vaccines prevent infectious diseases, not cancers, or they prevent liver cancer via a different infection risk but start earlier in life, so they don’t align with the adolescent cancer-prevention focus. Therefore, the HPV vaccine best fits the goal of reducing cancer risk during adolescence.