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Human papillomavirus (HPV): Report #86
HPV Vaccine Has Potential to Reduce Worldwide Cancer Deaths by
More Than 200,000 |
The following article was written by Sarina Araujo, executive director of the
National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC), and Alan Kaye, chairman of NCCC's
board of directors. NCCC is a grassroots nonprofit organization serving women
with, or at risk for, cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2005 more than 10,000 U.S. women
were estimated to have developed cervical cancer, and nearly 4,000 died.
Cervical cancer strikes women in the prime of their lives, often while they are
working and responsible for children and extended family. It is caused by
persistent infection with the cancer-causing strains of HPV.
"It is time for us all to face the fact that the HPV virus is implicated in a
variety of specific cancers," says Alan Kaye. "Without being an alarmist, I
believe it is fair to say that further cancer research must be continued on HPV
disease so we can better understand the science between HPV disease and the
different cancers it impacts. It is exciting to know we now have a vaccine that
can help reduce cervical cancer rates in the United States. Worldwide, having a
cervical cancer/HPV vaccine implemented in all developing countries would
represent the single most effective cancer prevention strategy in our lifetime.
Given the fact that these vaccines are a historic breakthrough in our battle
against cancer through prevention, I believe it is our obligation to work hard
to help assure there will be worldwide access for anyone desiring their cervical
cancer/HPV vaccine. Imagine, over the next generation or two, worldwide cervical
cancer death rates could be reduced by more than 200,000. Furthermore, we very
well may see a reduction of cancer deaths in some other HPV-related cancers.
Implementation of an affordable HPV vaccine worldwide should be a major priority
in the global war against cancer. This cancer war, with a prevention strategy,
is a fight all nations can join together in and win!"
NCCC executive director Sarina Araujo is battling persistent HPV infection,
which has involved multiple surgical procedures (e.g., loop electrosurgical
excision procedures, biopsies, and colposcopies). "I look forward to my three
daughters receiving their HPV/cervical cancer vaccine," Araujo says. "I'm
hopeful they will be able to receive the vaccine at their current ages of 20,
18, and 14 years. My girls have been raised with a solid religious foundation,
and I am proud of who they are and their ability to make sound decisions.
However, they can not predict who their husbands may be and know for certain
their future husbands past. I hope my girls and someday, my grandchildren will
be able to receive this cancer vaccine," she adds.
To learn more about NCCC,
visit http://www.nccc-online.org/
2/14/07 |
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