News

Cervical Cancer Vaccine

Sunday 9th October 2005

A new vaccine may prevent women from developing cervical cancer, Fox News and the BBC have reported. In the first major study the vaccine Gardasil, produced by the drug company Merck, was initially 100% effective in preventing two strains of human papilloma virus (HPV 16 and 18).

HPV 16 and 18 are two of more than 100 types of human papilloma virus. Approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases result when HPV 16 and 18 are transmitted together.

The human papilloma virus is also responcible for genital warts in both males and females.

It is a myth that circumcision prevents cervical cancer, but in 2002 the BBC reported that 'Circumcision May Curb Cervical Cancer'. The same report revealed, however, that Cancer Research UK did not recommend circumcision but merely good hygeine practices.

The vaccine is expected to be available in 2006.

Editor's Note: Reports that cervical cancer may be less common in the female partners of circumcised men have long been the stock in trade of circumcision evangelism. There is however no proof to the standards of modern evidence-based medicine that it is effective. Moreover its efficacy is contradicted by case-controlled studies that have shown no difference or even a higher rate of cervical cancer in the partners of circumcised men. The claim is however very tenacious and has resurfaced in the last two years.

Additional Reference:
http://www.merck.com/newsroom/press_releases/research_and_development/2006_0207.html