Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa are three times higher than the global average.
Cancer-causing viruses like HPV can cause cells to divide indefinitely and, in the case of Henrietta Lacks, become immortal.
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The immortal cancer cells of Henrietta Lacks revolutionized the fields of science, medicine and bioethics. And they still survive today, more than 70 years after her death.
People in the world’s poorest countries have not benefited equally from the recent advancements made in cancer.
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People in the world’s poorest regions have not benefited equally from the recent advancements made in cancer screening, prevention and treatment.
Some strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV) have been associated with cancers, especially cervical cancer.
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Only 6,000 women used self-collection in cervical screening between 2017 and 2019, out of about one million women eligible. We need to boost those numbers if we’re ever to eliminate cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine is an effective primary prevention measure for cervical cancer.
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Researchers have found a way to encourage cervical cancer screenings and vaccinations in Korean American women. Might their findings also work in other underrepresented populations?
New research reveals a link between a diagnosis of cancer and a lifetime number of 10 or more sexual partners. But there are some flaws in the research we need to consider in interpreting the results.
When British parents are informed of the risks of HPV, they want their sons to be vaccinated against the virus.
While cervical screening has saved countless lives, we overscreen in Canada. Women don’t need to be screened until the age of 25 for cervical cancer.
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Medical research suggests cervical cancer screening for women under the age of 25 has little impact. Women should therefore be screened at a later age, and less often.
While the previous Gardasil vaccine protected against 70% of cervical cancers, the updated Gardasil 9 version will protect against up to 93% of these.
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Prevention against cervical cancer is the main aim of the Gardasil vaccine. But HPV is also linked to a large proportion of anal, vaginal and head and neck cancers.
Women who’ve never had a Pap smear or who’ve skipped a few don’t need to miss out on cervical screening. For the first time, some can take their own sample if that makes them feel more comfortable.
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For the first time, some Australian women will be eligible to collect their own sample for cervical screening. While it’s not as accurate as one from a GP or nurse, it could still save your life.
The HPV jab given from 2008 with new testing procedures from 2019 could mean women need fewer tests over a lifetime.
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Chair, Medical Advisory Committee, Australian Cancer Research Foundation; Director, Diamantina Institute for Cancer Immunology and Metabolic Medicine, The University of Queensland