In Australia, the Pharmaceutical Benefit Advisory Committee, has given a positive recommendation in November 2011, to extend the program to boys. This is, as has been mentioned elsewhere here, a huge step.

However, it's subject to Federal Governement funding and the Federal Government is delivering the Budget next week. I'm not holding my breath because the government has been pledging to get the budget back into surplus and the leaks to the media this week are all about cuts to spending.

I've written to my Federal member of parliament, pointing out this stunning inequity. Maybe other Aussie members here can too.

Whilst the article was very positive, I had to stop reading the responses to this article as I felt sick. How is it that people can be so ill-informed? What can we do to gag the ignorant and dangerous minority who, unfortunately, are so vocal? I am going back on the site to see if I can register and make my own (very strong) comment. Might I suggest others who may feel as strongly as I do about the benefits of the HPV vaccine do the same?

Forum is only open for comments until the 6th May

Hi Karen, just posted on Alberta forum. You're right - Olympic standard ignorance on display. Great suggestion. I think of you and Alex every day. Linda XX

Alberta is a progressive province, but there is also a very old style and vocal religious presence. I'm not sure why exactly - maybe historic - but some areas are known as the Bible belt. (I will look this up one day 'soonish'.)

Usually the silent majority/common sense wins here. Maybe always.

It's obvious to me that none of the ignoramuses or their loved ones have ever experienced the joys of OC or cervical cancer etc.
I remember reading a thread (maybe OCF FB?) about the HPV connection and some woman actually said that she would feel like a 'slut' if the HPV connection was proved to be a real issue. She was worried about what her neighbours would think.

I was surprised that OC didn't change her outlook on what is important in life, but to each their own. I love this site BTW.

Thanks to all of you, and especially Brian Hill. I have never looked at a geranium in the same way. Ever.

Shauneen, I just lectured in Calgary yesterday for the College of REgistered Hygienists of Alberta, about my story surviving stage IV OC. One RDH said she paid $350 for just the one day, and hearing my story made every penny well spent. I just wanted you to know that Alberta is progressive and the oral health professionals and researchers were top notch!
Eva

I would NOT necessarily call Alberta's healthcare progressive... the province lacks research dollars big time!! As an oral cancer patient, I have'nt been all that impressed since moving here from Vancouver. Dr. Joseph Dort ENT is a shining star among some real apathy here, my own surgeon included :P (Wish Dr. Dort had been my surgeon) Seems they dont see much oral cancer here compared to BC, or at least not early stages. With the research study that I was part of in Vancouver before my diagnosis and the 2nd stage now beign carried out here in Calgary as well, perhaps we will begin seeing progress.

I have been asking my surgeon, his nurse educator and the Cancer Agency here for information on Oral Cancer Awareness programs that I could get involved with, since my 1st surgery back in October 2011, to no avail. Everyone I ask says not not aware of anything locally.

Alberta is a little like the Old Souths' grown up rich cousin. Very conservative, religious and more of an old boys business network. Which makes the vaccine a harder sell here than say Ontario or BC.

In fact, last fall, The (NACI)National Advisory Council on Immunization's American counterpart, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, voted to strongly recommend use of HPV vaccine in boys and young men in the US as well. So it may well be the US that jumps on this first!!

Lives are being lost...lets get the boys vaccinated too!!