Cervical cancer vaccine promises to save some lives, but other
cancer diagnoses still high
A new vaccine approved by the Federal Drug Administration could
eliminate as many as 70 percent of cervical cancer cases, but for
other cancers prevention and early detection remain the best
weapons to fight the disease.
Cervical cancer vaccine promises to save some lives, but other cancer diagnoses still high
A new vaccine approved by the Federal Drug Administration could eliminate as many as 70 percent of cervical cancer cases, but for other cancers prevention and early detection remain the best weapons to fight the disease.
The newly approved vaccine protects against four strains of the human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted disease that infects up to 80 percent of women by the age of 50 and is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
“FDA approval of the HPV vaccine, the first vaccine targeted specifically to preventing cancer, is one of the most important advances in women’s health in recent years,” said Carolyn Runowicz, president of the American Cancer Society.
The new vaccine, dubbed Gardasil by Merk & Co., Inc., costs $360 for a three-shot series and is most effective if administered before a woman becomes sexually active. It does not work in women who are already infected with HPV. Merk plans to make the drug available to girls and women 9 to 26. The national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will decide June 29 if the vaccine should become a routine vaccination – a recommendation that will influence whether health insurance plans cover the shot.
Worldwide, as many as 240,000 women die from cervical cancer each year. About 3,700 women die of cervical cancer in the United States each year, a lower incidence than the global rate due to routine Pap smear tests that catch the disease early on.
While a vaccine is not on the horizon for many other types of cancer, prevention and early detection can go a long way in fighting against several other common or fatal forms of cancer. Screening tests can detect cancers that remain unsymptomatic until advanced stages. The American Cancer Society provided information on the following common types of cancer.
Breast Cancer
Estimated new cases in 2006: 214,640
Estimated deaths in 2006: 41,430
Signs and symptoms: Larger tumors cause breast lumps, thickening, swelling distortion, tenderness and skin irritation.
Prevention or early detection: Self-breast exams, clinical breast exams starting at age 20 and yearly mammograms at age 40 are the best tests to detect breast cancer early on since symptoms usually don’t show up until advanced stages of the illness. Those with increased risk for breast cancer can be tested more frequently.
Colon Cancer
Estimated new cases in 2006: 106,680
Estimated deaths in 2006: 55,170
Signs and symptoms: Advanced colorectal cancer can cause rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits and cramping in the lower abdomen.
Prevention or early detection: Beginning at age 50, men and women should begin screening with colonoscopies every 10 years. The procedure detects and removes polyps that are precursors to cancer.
Lung and bronchus cancer:
Estimated new cases in 2006: 174,470
Estimated deaths in 2006: 162,460
Signs and symptoms: Persistent cough, sputum streaked with blood, chest pain, voice change and recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis.
Prevention or early detection: The highest risk factor in contracting lung or bronchus cancer is one that can easily be controlled – avoid smoking cigarettes or inhaling secondhand smoke. Other risk factors include occupational or environmental hazards such as exposure to asbestos or air pollution. A reliable early detection test has not been found.
Prostate Cancer
Estimated new cases in 2006: 234,460
Estimated deaths in 2006: 27,350
Signs and symptoms: Weak or interrupted urine flow, inability to urinate or difficulty stopping or starting urine flow.
Prevention or early detection: Starting at age 50, men should take a prostate-specific antigen blood test and a digital rectal examination. African-American men are and those with a family history of prostate cancer should begin testing at age 45.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
