Screening Plus Vaccines Could Stop Cervical Cancer in Germany

Researchers from Munich University have said that using existing screening technology with a vaccine that should be available in a few years could reduce the current 6,300 annual cervical cancer cases (2,600 of which are fatal) to nearly zero.

There are 2 factors which will prevent most cervical cancer cases. The first is a good diagnostic technique, comprising of a HPV test and pap smear. The second is a vaccine against HPV. Early studies on the vaccine are already complete and it is believed it will be available within the next 3 to 5 years.

The only real barriers in near eradication are political will and finance, which would have to be invested to make this happen.

(Source: Reuters Health)