6-13-06

Cervical Cancer

Many cases of cervical cancer in women can now be prevented by a new vaccine, which just has been approved by the FDA.

A new vaccine protects against the two types of human papillomavirus, which is responsible for about two-thirds of the cases of cervical cancer. It also is designed to prevent infection caused by four strains of HPV, the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease, says Dr. Stewart Massad, associate professor and chief of gynecologic oncology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.

SOUND BITE: "More than 50 percent, perhaps 80% of sexually active people have been exposed to papillomaviruses in the past. Once someone is exposed to the high-risk viruses that can cause cervical cancer that are in the vaccine, the vaccine is ineffective. So it’s targeted at girls before they have sexual relations. The FDA has targeted it to girls between the ages of 9 and 26."

Dr. Massad said the vaccine does not eliminate the need pap screenings. Women who have been vaccinated will continue to need Pap tests, beginning three years after they begin having sexually relations. He explains how the vaccine will be given.

SOUND BITE: "It's not a single vaccination. It requires three shots given once, then two months, later, then six months after the first show. It costs $120 a dose or about $350 – the manufactures recommended price for the whole three shots."

Any woman wanting more information about the new vaccine for cervical cancer should check with their primary care physician or gynecologist.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.