Cervical Cancer - Highlights

Highlights

Cervical Cancer Vaccine

• In June 2006, the FDA approved Gardasil, the first vaccine designed to prevent cervical cancer. The vaccine is approved for females ages 9 – 26. It protects against the human papilloma virus (HPV) strains that most commonly cause cervical cancer as well as genital warts. HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer.
• Doctors recommend that the vaccine be given at a young age. The vaccine is not effective for women who have already been infected with HPV, a sexually transmitted disease.
• The vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV. Women still need to get regular cervical cancer screenings once they become sexually active. Cervical cancer is usually very curable if detected early.

Condoms for HPV Prevention

Consistent condom use can significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection, suggests a 2006 study in the New England Journal of Medicine. In the study, women whose male partners used a condom every time they had sexual intercourse had half the rate of HPV infection as women whose partners used a condom less than 5% of the time.

Elderly Women and Cervical Screening

Expert guidelines differ as to whether elderly women need to be screened for cervical cancer. A 2006 study of more than 15,000 postmenopausal women recommended that elderly women who are sexually active but not monogamous should continue to receive screenings. Experts do agree that women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of uterus and cervix) do not need to receive screenings.

Surgical Treatments and Future Pregnancy

Certain types of cervical cancer surgeries may increase the risk for obstetric complications, such as preterm delivery and low birth weight, indicates a 2006 study in the Lancet. Women should discuss the potential risks of these procedures with their doctors.

Review Date: 09/01/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, M.D., Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.