WHEREAS, Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women will get it in their lives; and

WHEREAS, HPV causes 90% of cervical cancers, and in the United States 33% of those cancers are fatal; and

WHEREAS, HPV vaccination prevents nearly 100% of the precancerous cervical cell changes caused by HPV types 16 and 18, and is only one of two vaccines that can prevent cancer; and

WHEREAS, HPV causes nearly 27,000 total cases of cancer every year in both men and women, and more than 6,000 people are likely to die this year of HPV-related cancers in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Virtually all HPV-related cancer deaths are preventable through the use of vaccines; and

WHEREAS, Low vaccination rates mean more than six out of every 10 adolescent females and more than eight out of every 10 adolescent males in the United States are still at risk for HPV-related cancers while safe, effective vaccines go unused; and

WHEREAS, The Group Health Foundation is a leader in the effort to protect children from cancer through a campaign to encourage vaccinations by expanding public awareness, partnering with public health organizations, and reaching out directly to parents; and

WHEREAS, The success of these and other efforts are critical to saving many thousands of lives;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Washington recognize the need for HPV awareness, promote educational activities aimed at increasing knowledge of the virus, and applaud and support the efforts of the Group Health Foundation to keep all Washingtonians healthy and cancer-free.

I, Hunter G. Goodman, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8635,

adopted by the Senate

March 11, 2015

HUNTER G. GOODMAN

Secretary of the Senate