Canadian Cervical Cancer Breakthrough - 2006

Recently Health Canada approved a vaccine that protects women against the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.

Garadasil is the first vaccine against the human papilloma virus (HPV) that infects half of all sexually active women between the ages of 18 and 22. Apparently this vaccine has proven 97 per cent effective in protecting women from forms of HPV that cause most cervical cancers.

This virus HPV (human papilloma virus) is very very highly contagious being spread by mouth – to – mouth contact with the genitals or anus of the infected person. At least 80 % of North American women of reproductive age will be exposed to HPV in their lifetime. This hardy contagious virus infects cells inside and outside of the body, including surfaces of the skin, lining of the mouth, tongue, throat, tonsils, vagina, penis, cervix and anus.

Women and men who have ever had a sexual encounter, even without penetration can readily contact HPV. You may have HPV and not even know it because there are often no apparent signs or symptoms. You may not even realize that you are a silent carrier spreading the virus.

Some types of HPV can cause common skin warts and plantar wares (that is warts on the soles of the feet). In addition there are more than 30 other types of HPV viruses with other symptoms as well.

This new breakthrough vaccine Garadasil protects against 4 different HPV virus types.

The vaccine is given by injection 3 times over a three month.

Geradasil is believed to prevent cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, precancerous lesions and genital warts – all caused by the HPV viruses.

Our immune systems are amazing in that in most cases a women’s immune system keeps HPV at bay. However for some unknown reason in some cases the HPV infections linger and persist over time. This can lead to cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer can be picked up early with routine Pap smear tests.

A Pap test is a simple test where your general practitioner (GP), Obstetrician or other health care provider takes a couple of cells from your cervix for laboratory exam.

The Pap test is a very simple, standard painless exam which should be done on a regular basis especially if you have had cervical cancer in your family.

The sad fact is that most women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer have never had a Pap test or not had one in five years.

This is especially sad and tragic as caught early enough cervical cancer has a very high cure rate.

The introduction of Geradasil in Canada may substantially reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in Canada. However the vaccine does not prevent infection from all 100 – 200 strains of the HPV virus: therefore it must be emphasized and stressed greatly that this is not a cure all. Women must still get a Pap smear test on a regular basis. Having this new vaccine does not mean that cervical cancer is cured for everyone. Prevention with regular routine PAP tests is still essential for most women.

The development of Geradasil vaccine is a medical breakthrough; some doctors want the vaccine to be available through mass immunization. The vaccine is effective only if given before infection with HPV, so an individual needs to become vaccinated before becoming sexually active. Currently in Canada Health Canada gas approved it for females between the ages of 9 to 26 years.

The Geradasil vaccine product is now available in Canada, the United States and Mexico currently.