Preventative measures are available in the battle against cervical cancer and patients should speak with their physicians about Gardasil, a vaccine administered to prevent several strains of the disease, says Dr. Randy Heysek, founder and medical director of Central Florida Cancer Institute (CFCI).
Gardasil, while not a replacement for pap smear tests, can prevent the strains which cause 70 percent of cervical cancers and the strains known to cause 90 percent of genital warts, Dr. Heysek said. It is recommended for girls and young women between the ages of 9 and 26.
Studies documented in the ‘New England Journal of Medicine’ (May 2007) found that Gardasil was nearly 100 percent effective in preventing precancerous cervical lesions caused by the HPV strains it protects against. The findings support the use of the vaccine, especially when given to young women before they become sexually active.
“Vaccination with Gardasil is extremely effective in preventing several, but not all, of the strains of HPV known to cause cervical cancer and genital warts,” says Dr. Heysek. “It does not replace the need for pap smear tests. It’s important for women to continue routine cervical cancer screenings.”
The American Cancer Society estimated there were 12,200 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in 2010, and 4,210 deaths resulting from the disease.
