Since cervical cancer is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), some researchers say that implementing national screening programs to detect HPV and vaccinating against it, may make cervical cancer a thing of the past.

In Berlin yesterday, Professor Jack Cuzick of Cancer Research UK told Europe’s largest cancer congress that HPV is “responsible for all cervix cancer.” He says that while the current vaccine only protects against two strains of the virus, soon there will be a vaccine that works against all nine strains. The more effective vaccine, combined with HPV testing, which is more sensitive than the Pap smear, could …read more

Last month, I wrote a feature on the new human papillomavirus (HPV) tests: HPV HR and HPV 16/18.
The HPV tests were recently approved by the FDA, but what does that mean for you? Dr. Michael A. Gold has some answers for you.
Dr. Gold is Associate Professor and Division Director of Gynecologic Oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He sits on the board of the American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology and is an active member of many professional societies. He also conducts research in cervical cancer and pre-cancererous abnormalities.
Are HPV tests recommended in addition to Pap smears for …read more

Some researchers believe that the Pap smear may soon be a relic of the past. It could be replaced with a DNA test performed once every three or five years.

The new DNA test faces opposition though. Some doctors don’t want to start using it because the annual Pap smear is what brings in patients each year for important check-ups. Plus, old habits are hard to break.
The DNA test still requires cervical scraping, but results are read by a machine. Since the test is more accurate and does not rely on trained pathologists, it may be very beneficial to women in …read more