Around half a million women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and it is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. According to oncology channel, the cause of cervical cancer is unknown and the infection caused by two types of HPV that is transmitted sexually is associated with cervical cancer. Evidence of HPV is found in nearly 80% of cervical cancers.
In a study that was published by the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers have said that the cervical cancer vaccine is nearly hundred percent effective against the two types of human papillomavirus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer
The goal of the study was to see if we could prevent precancerous cases and we were 98 percent effective. The two main things to emphasize are the vaccine efficacy and the safety.These clinical trials have consistent efficacy around 98 percent. And severe reactions to the vaccine appear to be rare.
says Kevin Ault MD, one of the study authors.
The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the FDA approved vaccine sold under the name Gardasil, on over twelve thousand women aged between 15 and 26 for about three years. It was found that the vaccine was about 98% effective in preventing two types of HPV which is responsible for over seventy percent of the cervical cancer cases.
“Nearly all sexually active people are going to get exposed to the virus sometime during their lives.” adds Ault.
Cervical cancer is a serious disease which is preventable. Women should opt for regular pap smear tests and pelvic examinations so that the disease if diagnosed can be treated in early stages.
But as the saying goes, Prevention is better than cure and women are advised to take these vaccines in order to prevent cervical cancer.
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