Local physicians will be on hand Thursday at the Stiefel Theatre for the screening of a documentary film about the HPV epidemic, and to talk to parents about options to prevent the disease in their preteen children.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that nearly 80 million people in the U.S. are currently infected with.

HPV is transmitted through intimate skin to skin contact with a carrier and can lead to some types of cancer.

Linda Hinnenkamp with the Tammy Walker Cancer Center joined in on the KSAL Morning News Wednesday with a look at the event. “We want people to come and learn about the types of cancer that HPV causes,” she said.

“Anyone who’s on the fence, especially if you are on the fence about the vaccine we really want you come see the documentary.”

The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine be given to preteen girls and boys at age 11 or 12. The vaccine is given in a series of 3 shots over the course of about 8 months.

Hinnenkamp added that Kansas has the lowest HPV vaccination rate in the United States.

Doors open at 5pm he documentary “Someone You Love – The HPV Epidemic” starts at 6:30pm and the doors open a 5pm.

The event is free and open to the public.

https://soundcloud.com/ksal-radio/linda-hinnenkamp-ksal-morning-news-1-6-16