Cigarette smoke may enhance HPV and increase risk of cervical cancer

Philadelphia, PA

For the first time researchers from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine suggest a direct interaction between cigarette smoke carcinogens and the human papillomavirus that may lead to increased risk of cervical cancer. They report their findings in the January 2008 issue of the Journal of Virology.

Cervical cancer is the third leading cancer type in women worldwide. Over 90% of the cases presented have been linked to human papillomavirus (HPV). Many women unknowingly carry HPV and the virus naturally regresses on its own over time. HPV will only progress into cervical cancer in a small percentage of women, but past studies have proposed cigarette smoking to be a likely influence. More >>

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PET Scan tracks cervical cancer

St. Louis, MO

A machine invented at Washington University to reveal the inner workings of brains and hearts is emerging as a premier tool for tracking cervical cancer.

The device, called a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, is similar to MRI scanners but uses radioactivity instead of X-rays to create images of blood flowing through organs, brain activity and other processes.

New research from the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University show that PET scans are more accurate than any other method at predicting the aggressiveness of a cervical cancer tumor. The device also effectively shows whether treatments had destroyed the cancer.

Previously, doctors had no way to determine whether radiation or other therapies were working until a patient experienced symptoms or another tumor was found. More >>

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Illinois women launch fight against cervical cancer

Springfield, IL

Kyla Travis wants to give hope to women battling cervical cancer. At 28, she had just given birth to her son when she was diagnosed with the disease.
Photos

Cervical cancer survivor Kyla Travis of Springfield, 50, left, urges on woman attending a cervical cancer awareness seminar at Hilton Garden Inn, after receiving a gift from Ann Locke, right, an AmeriCorps coordinator following Travis' sharing of her personal story on Wed., Jan. 16, 2008. Jonathan Kirshner/The State Journal-Register

“I was very fortunate. They caught it in the early stages. ... I had my cervix removed, and I was cured,” she said. “I was blessed. The follow-up showed no signs of cancer, and it hasn’t come back. I want to help other people survive.”
The 50-year-old Springfield resident was one of approximately 30 women who met Wednesday to launch the Illinois Women Against Cervical Cancer Program. Its goal is to eliminate cervical cancer by having trained advocates educate women.

The Urban Leagues of Springfield, Tri-County (Peoria) and Champaign County will lead the first phase of the program, which is being funded by the Illinois Public Health Association and the Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Minority Health Services.

The IPHA received a $50,000 grant from Merck & Co. Pharmaceuticals, manufacturers of the new Gardasil cervical cancer vaccine, that was matched by the state.

“We think that’s sufficient to do the demonstration project in the three cities,” said Jim Nelson, executive director of the IPHA.

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Cervical cancer prevention campaign comes to Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma's Jari Askins is the latest lieutenant governor to sign onto a program intended to encourage women to learn more about cervical cancer prevention and detection.

The campaign encourages women to get Pap tests and be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus that causes many cervical cancers. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls who are 11 or 12 years old.

Officials expect about 160 Oklahoma women to be diagnosed with cervical cancer and another 60 to die of the disease this year. More >>

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Cervical cancer prevention efforts: Pap test and HPV vaccine

Washington, DC

In the United States, cervical cancer remains a disease of socioeconomic disparity, with Hispanic and African-American women more likely to be diagnosed with the disease and more likely to die of it than white women.

An HPV vaccine was approved by the FDA in 2006 for girls and women aged nine to 26 and studies show it is 100 percent effective at preventing disease from the HPV types that account for 70 percent of all cervical cancers and 90 percent of genital warts. A second HPV vaccine, shown to be as effective against cervical cancer-causing HPV, is currently under review by the FDA.
Even with the HPV vaccine, screening will still be critical to protect women against cervical cancer caused by HPV types not covered by the vaccine, for women already exposed to HPV types targeted by the vaccine, and for women who
do not receive the vaccine. Research shows that the Pap test is 51 to 85 percent accurate, depending upon the type of Pap test used. An FDA-approved HPV test is available and research shows that adding HPV testing to a Pap test in women aged 30 and older can increase a clinician's ability to identify women needing early intervention and a major study recently found that the HPV test as a stand-alone screen was almost 40 percent more accurate than the Pap test and recommended that HPV testing be used as a primary, frontline screen.

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Gardasil HPV vaccine can reduce risk of cervical cancer

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Preventative measures can reduce risk factors for certain types of cancer (including cervical cancer), even those caused by infections. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a group of viruses consisting of more than 100 different strains. It is also the virus that causes genital HPV infection, a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to cervical cancer in women.

Dr. John Browning of McLeod OB/GYN Associates said that Gardasil is an effective way to protect young people from a heightened risk of developing cervical cancer later in life. Doctors such as Browning tell their patients about the importance of the vaccine and annual Pap smears in the prevention and detection of cervical cancer. “The vaccine can prevent what we think is 75 percent of (cervical) cancers, but it won’t change our recommended (Pap smear) screening,” Browning said

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Texas controversy stirs interest in HPV vaccine

Galveston, TX

Some pediatricians say last year's controversy over whether the state should mandate Texas schoolgirls to be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus has translated into more individuals getting the vaccine.

"It's really kind of an interesting thing — the controversy has really helped us get the word out," said Chris Turley, vice chair for clinical services at the University of Texas Medical Branch's Pediatrics Department.

"We really do have moms coming and asking for it. ... People forget about the tetanus shot because it's been around forever, but they come in knowing about this and wanting it for their daughters." More >>

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Cervical cancer surgery can protect fertility

Austin, TX

Neddy Franco and her fiancé were full of hopes and dreams about the babies they would have after they married. But the day she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, she was told she needed a radical hysterectomy, which would make her unable to conceive a third time.

The 34-year-old soon learned, however, that a small but growing number of surgeons offer a new solution called radical trachelectomy, which leaves the uterus (womb) intact. More >>

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With care, cervical cancer concerns can be combated

Dallas, TX

While the cause and origin of many cancers remains at least partially unknown, there's a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the human papilloma virus, or HPV, and cervical cancer.

"Now that we know the cause of this kind of cancer, it may be possible to prevent it entirely," says Dr. John Schorge, a gynecological oncologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Practicing safe sex can help reduce exposure to the virus, and an annual Pap smear can detect cellular changes in the cervix that may indicate cancer.

Researchers have developed a vaccine that protects against four HPV types, which together cause 70 percent of cervical cancers. Adult women should talk to a doctor about whether they should get the vaccine, Dr. Schorge says.

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