Norm Coleman advocates for HPV vaccine amid cancer battle

[WCCO-TV, November 14, 2018] Former Minnesota U.S. Senator Norm Coleman is sharing a message of strength and awareness during his second battle with cancer.

“The cancer I have is caused by a virus,” Coleman said. “You can get a vaccination to prevent you from getting the HPV virus today.”

Three and a half years ago he underwent chemo, radiation and surgery to kill the cancer in his tonsil and neck. Now, he is fighting stage 4 metastatic lung cancer. He said his cancer is caused by the HPV virus and is encouraging people to look into the vaccine that can help prevent it.

The former senator is an advocate for the vaccine, which thrills Allina Health Clinic’s infectious disease specialist Dr. Frank Rhame.

“That’s a wonderful opportunity Sen. Coleman is giving us because he’s pointing out head and neck cancers are preventable by this vaccine, too, which are not associated with sexual intercourse,” Dr. Rhame said.

HPV can be prevented with a three-part vaccine. Dr. Rhame is frustrated more people don’t get the vaccine.