No Cervical Cancer for Your Daughter

Big big news (and controversy) these last few days with the news of a cervical cancer vaccine set to be released by early 2007. The vaccine, named Gardasil, is expecting a speedy FDA approval. It reportedly works remarkably well, 100% effective. Here's a brief overview on the topic.

Cervical Cancer

• Affects 10,000 in US and 500,000 worldwide annually
• Most commonly (70%) caused by HPV virus
• Second-most common type of cancer in women world wide
• Second-most common cause of cancer death in women world wide
• Less common cause of death in US because of early detection
• It's the major reason behind performing annual Pap smear tests

New Vaccine: Gardasil

• Attacks the two most common strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer
• Also attacks strains of HPV that cause genital warts
• May also aid in preventing vaginal and vulvar cancer
• Should be injected in girls before they become sexually active
• Current estimated cost is $360 each

Big Controversy

• Will it give teenage girls a false sense of security?
• Are parents inadvertently promoting teenage sex?
  

Other Questions to Ponder

• Like other vaccines, will there be a need for booster shots?
• How frequent?
• What is the most effective time to inject the vaccine? (Current guess is age 12)
• What about the other causes of cervical cancer?
• Unknown long term side-effects

It's exciting times, no matter how you feel about this vaccine. Whether it delivers what it promises, it sure will cause quite a stir for the next 2 years. More news will pop up as similar vaccines hit the market. Be prepared to engage in multiple conversations on the topic. Start reading up now before you fall behind.