Cervical cancer vaccine has a few hurdles to overcome

[mhatrw]

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/opinion/16684308.htm

A promising new vaccine could prevent most cases of deadly cervical cancer if enough young women can be immunized. The challenges are cost and far-fetched notions about the vaccine leading to sexual promiscuity. About 9,700 American women contract cervical cancer annually, and about 3,700 die from it. In most cases, the cancer is caused by strains of the human papillomavirus, which is transmitted by sexual activity.

The vaccine, called Gardasil, can prevent contracting certain strains of the virus and is recommended by health-care experts for girls before they become sexually active.

Because it is so new, costly and unfamiliar to many parents, however, suggestions that state governments mandate the vaccine seem premature. ...

More research is needed on how long the vaccinations last. And research into a vaccine that can protect men and prevent them from transmitting the virus is a necessary further step.