The Cervical Cancer Blog » August 2007
August 14, 2007
HPV Vaccines Don't Work Against Existing Infection
According to a new study, cervical cancer vaccines such as Gardasil do not fight existing HPV infections. The focus of the vaccines will continue to be on young girls who haven't yet been exposed to the virus.
The findings, reported in the Aug. 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, support a recommendation in June from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that vaccination focus on girls 11 and 12 years of age, most of whom would not have already become sexually active.
Cervical Cancer Vaccines Won't Fight Existing HPV Infection
August 7, 2007
Simple Cervical Cancer Detection Method
According to a new study published in the Lancet, there is a simple and cheap method to detect early signs of cervical cancer. The method involves nothing more than vinegar, gauze, a speculum, and a halogen lamp.
The visual screening test is done by a nurse or trained health care worker who washes a woman's cervix with vinegar and gauze using a speculum to hold it open. After one minute, any pre-cancerous lesions turn very white and can be seen with the naked eye under a halogen lamp.
This detection method may save many lives in the developing world where Pap smears are not affordable.
Experts think that the simple, inexpensive technique could be rolled out across the developing world relatively easily. Pilot projects are already under way in a handful of countries in Asia and Africa.
