Cervical Cancer Vaccine Approved

 
A recent article in the Boston Globe "Preventing a Cancer" describes how a new vaccine called Gardasil by pharmaceutical giant Merck has now been approved by the FDA for the prevention of cervical cancer and HPV (human papillomavirus).  The vaccine is controversial since it requires innoculation in young girls prior to sexual relations.  In addition, Gardasil costs more than $300 for the necessary three treatments.  The vaccine does not eliminate the need for traditional Pap tests.

Worldwide, cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in women killing an estimated 240,000 women annually, including 3,700 in the United States.  More information is available in the links below.

• Boston Globe: Preventing a Cancer
• Boston Globe: FDA Approves Cervical Cancer Vaccine
• WebMD: Cervical Cancer Vaccine Q&A
• Merck: Gardasil Study Overview
• Science Daily: Cervical Cancer Vaccine Holds Up

Comments

[G rant & Alma Shrum]

We are thinking of you each day and our prayers are with you. While we didn't have a lot of contact with you while at Errol we always enjoyed the times we saw and visited with you. Our best to you.