AMA welcomes cervical cancer vaccine developments but women should continue with Pap smears
In welcoming the positive results from trials of an Australian-developed vaccine to protect women against cervical cancer, AMA Vice-President and senior gynaecologist, Dr Trevor Mudge, said today that women must continue to have regular Pap smears.
Dr Mudge said the AMA commends the groundbreaking work of the Australian medical researchers whose breakthrough has demonstrated in trials 100% protection against a particular strain of human papillomavirus (HPV-16), a major cause of cervical cancer.
"This significant medical discovery offers hope and comfort to women all around the world," Dr Mudge said.
"However, everyday use of the vaccine is still some years off. Women must not become complacent and omit having their regular Pap smears because of the vaccine developments.
"For now, the Pap Smear remains the best way for preventing cervical cancer by the detection of its precursors.
"It must also be remembered that vaccination will prevent women from becoming infected with the virus, it will not cure those already infected - nor will it treat existing cancer or pre-cancerous conditions.
"Cervical cancer is still a major preventable cause of female deaths. The vast majority of cervical cancers can be prevented or cured if detected early through regular screening.
"The introduction of the vaccine to the battle against cervical cancer is warmly welcomed by the medical profession and sufferers of the disease," Dr Mudge said.
The AMA encourages all Australian women to consult their GP about regular second-yearly Pap Smear tests to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in the Australian community.
GPs have a pivotal role in the recruitment of women who have never been screened or are under-screened, and in encouraging all eligible women to participate in the program.
HUMAN papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a common sexually transmitted disease. Of the more than 30 types of HPV, HPV type 16 (HPV-16) is most commonly linked with cancer. Approximately 20 percent of adults become infected HPV-16. Prevention of infection in school age girls is a long-term strategy that should significantly reduce cervical cancer in the future.
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