[Rictor]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science&article=UPI-1-20060406-10010100-bc-us-cervicalcancer.xml

WASHINGTON, April 5 (UPI) -- A vaccine protecting against two types of viruses that cause cervical cancer has demonstrated unusual staying power, new research shows.

In a follow-up study to a randomized clinical trial, researchers found antibody levels in the study subjects remained steadfast for up to four and a half years. Researchers say the results confirm the success and safety of the vaccine Cervarix, which is designed to guard against two cancer-causing human papillomaviruses, HPV 16 and 18.

"This is the most significant advance in cancer prevention in the last 50 years," said lead author Diane Harper, director of Gynaecologic Cancer Prevention Research at Dartmouth Medical School. "We now have a vaccine that's 100 percent effective," she added.

edit: Apparently, cervical cancer is responsible for 85% of cancer in the developing world

[Ford Prefect]

I'm glad to know I'll never have to worry about getting cervical cancer.

[Grug]

I'm glad to know I'll never have to worry about getting cervical cancer.

Prostate problems instead?

[Ford Prefect]

Well they don't have a vaccine for that one, so I'm still checking under my bed.

[Grug]

Well they don't have a vaccine for that one, so I'm still checking under my bed.

Or Hernia?

*snap!*
Ahem.  Turn your head and cough please sir.


God I dread the day I get the camera thingy stuck up my arse. I'm either going to like it, or really not like it.

[achtung]

Well they don't have a vaccine for that one, so I'm still checking under my bed.

God I dread the day I get the camera thingy stuck up my arse. I'm either going to like it, or really not like it.

[Turambar]

how much you wanna bet we're not gonna get it because drug companies make more off treatment than cure

[vyper]

The camera shoved up our arse?

As for this vaccine, I suspect many young ladies will be glad - they may be able to cut down the frequency of doctors prodding around down there.

[Grug]

The camera shoved up our arse?

Happens when you get past the 40 mark iirc. Perhaps some of our... veteran members would know of what I speak...?

[karajorma]

The vaccine isn't that new. It's been around for a couple of years What's news is that the vaccine is actually more effective than they thought it would be. Which is nice.

[Wild Fragaria]

The title of the thread is a bit misleading.  It's a type of treatment for a specific type of cancer.  I don't like to sound fussy about it, but it bugs me.

It's encouraging to how effective the vaccine works, but this really is just the first step towards a bigger picture of cancer fighting.  I am curious about the long term effects of the vaccine.

[karajorma]

Yeah I remember the other article you posted about another virus causing cancer too. I still think they're going to find more links as time goes on.

[Prophet]

There is a virus that can cause cancer? I didn't know that viruses can cause cancer! I need to find a bubble to live the rest of my life in.

[karajorma]

Human papillomaviruses have basically been proven to cause cervical cancer (in the vast majority of cases at least). There are other viruses which cause different cancers.

From what I understand living in a bubble wouldn't help you. Most people who catch the HPV have done so by their early twenties if not earlier. No idea when they contract the other viruses but it's likely that if there is one that is dangerous to you that you probably have already contracted it and had it strip your DNA of the protection against the particular form of cancer it causes.

[Wild Fragaria]

The vaccine probably going to cost a fortune because virus is very expensive to make.  And kj is right about the virus.

[castor]

Human papillomaviruses have basically been proven to cause cervical cancer (in the vast majority of cases at least). There are other viruses which cause different cancers.

Isn't this a bit of an oversimplification though? I think there are always oher contributing factors (environment, genetic suspectibility etc.) - a virus alone is not enough to cause a cancer. Or...?

[Wild Fragaria]

Virus is one of the factors.

[karajorma]

Isn't this a bit of an oversimplification though? I think there are always oher contributing factors (environment, genetic suspectibility etc.) - a virus alone is not enough to cause a cancer. Or...?

Not in this case at least. It appears as if the virus is the major factor in this particular cancer. Don't catch the virus and you drastically reduce the possibility of ever contracting cervical cancer. I've even heard some people blame HPV as being 100% guilty of causing cervical cancer as in it's impossible to get if you don't have HPV present. I don't put much stock in that until I hear it from a reputable source but the fact is that HPV has been proved to be responsible for over 90% of cervical cancers.

Obviously the other factors influence who develops the cancer once they have been exposed to HPV but it is obvious that it is the major factor.

[MrBig101]

I thought that Chuck Norris's tears cured cancer...

Too bad he has never cried... ever

[GodisanAtheist]

It't not really a cure for cancer, though, is it? A Vaccene is a preventative measure, and even then its never sure fire. If a women gets cervical cancer, she's still ****ed I suppose...