Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a reality. Members of our own campus community have it — about half of the 800 women graduating from Ithaca College this spring will be infected with HPV, according to national statistics. And the virus may be just as prevalent in men. But surprisingly, many students are unaware of the threat of this disease.

HPV has no symptoms, so many people contract and spread the disease without knowing it. The virus is linked to cervical cancer in women and some cases of penile cancer in men. So it’s not just a women’s issue, it’s also a men’s issue — no one is immune. Men act as vectors ­­— involuntarily spreading the disease with little to no negative effect to themselves — making it even more important to use protection when having sex.

But this issue isn’t just about using condoms. There are moves in New York state to make the vaccination mandatory to further protect women. New York State Assembly member Amy Paulin recently introduced a bill that will require girls born after Jan. 1, 1996, to be vaccinated for HPV, and Gov. Eliot Spitzer is looking into the bill.

Some opponents to the vaccine believe receiving the injection promotes one’s sexual promiscuity, but it doesn’t — it promotes health. With so much information available about the disease, there is no reason why any of us — both men and women — should ignore or be ignorant of this important health issue and treatment.

The Health Center makes this vaccine an option, and as an educated community, we should be taking advantage of this medical opportunity. Don’t wait for the vaccine — an important cancer prevention measure — to become mandatory while it is available to you now.