100 years ago, cervical cancer was the second most common cancer in women, but now it’s not even in the top 10 cancers of women in the United States. “With the advances we’ve had for cervical cancer, screening, and prevention, it should be eradicated,” said OB/GYN Dr. Rachel Wykes.
Independent Gynecologic Oncologist Dr. Fadi Abu Shahin said we’ve developed the most successful screening test for cancer ever invented. “It’s the Pap smear. It’s a cheap, easy, noninvasive test that allows us to identify pre-cancerous changes years before they turn into cancer. If you find those pre-cancerous changes and treat them you prevent cancer.”
Cervical cancer is caused by the HPV Virus. “This is a disease that is transmitted by touch. Your children will it some point touch another human,” said Dr. Wykes. The HPV vaccine was developed in 2006. “We know all cervical cancer is caused by HPV. But not all HPV causes cervical cancer. We’ve really narrowed down those high-risk strains and created a vaccine to prevent them.”
The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for boys and girls starting at age 9. Dr. Wykes said it’s been proven effective. “Australia is a great case study where they made the HPV vaccine universal, and they’ve essentially eradicated cervical cancer. This happened because the Prime Minister’s wife got cervical cancer and it got everyone’s attention.”
Cervical cancer is still a major problem worldwide, but with preventative measures, it can be eliminated. Speak with your doctor about the HPV vaccine if you or loved ones aren’t already vaccinated.
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