VAN NUYS, Calif., June 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite significant advancements in screening and treatment, cervical cancer remains a threat to thousands of women annually. It is estimated that up to 80 percent of women will acquire a genital HPV infection by the age of 50, and nearly half of those women will acquire a type of HPV infection which is potentially cancer-causing. While the risk of HPV infection peaks in younger age, women are at risk for developing a cancer-causing HPV infection throughout their lifetime. For this reason, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) is excited about new data which found that GlaxoSmithKline’s cervical cancer vaccine candidate produced a high immune response in women ages 26-55 against persistent infection with HPV types 16 and 18, the two most common cancer-causing HPV types. These findings suggest the vaccine can provide protection for women of all ages. Results of this study are being presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting (Abstract #1008).
“For the first time, we see evidence that a cervical cancer vaccine may offer protection against cervical cancer in women over 25 years old. While it is best to vaccinate women before they become sexually active, women of all ages can benefit from vaccination,” said Dr. Juan C. Felix, Medical Advisor, NCCC and Chief of Surgical Pathology, University of Southern California. “We are very excited about the prospect of a cervical cancer vaccine that holds great promise for women of all ages”
Data recently published in The Lancet showed that GSK’s cervical cancer vaccine candidate provided 100% protection against persistent infection with HPV 16 and 18 in younger women for as long as 4.5 years and also offered potential protection against infection with the third and fourth most prevalent cancer-causing types of HPV, 45 and 31. Together, HPV types 16, 18, 45 and 31 cause more than 80% of cervical cancer cases.
“The NCCC is dedicated to educating the public about the causes of cervical cancer and the preventative tools on the horizon that will help reduce a women’s risk for the deadly disease,” said Alan Kaye, Chair of the Board of Directors, NCCC. “The development of cervical cancer vaccines is a major advancement for women’s health care and cancer prevention. However, it is important to point out that women should continue regular Pap screenings, even if vaccinated with a cervical cancer vaccine. Early detection saves lives!”
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2005 more than 10,000 U.S. women were estimated to have developed cervical cancer, and nearly 4,000 died. Cervical cancer strikes women in the prime of their lives, often while they are working and responsible for children and extended family. In fact, after breast cancer, cervical cancer is the second most frequently occurring cancer in women ages 20-39. It is caused by persistent infection with the cancer- causing strains of human papillomavirus, or HPV.
About NCCC
The NCCC, founded in 1997, is a grassroots nonprofit organization serving women with, or at risk for, cervical cancer and HPV. The NCCC is the only organization dedicated exclusively to helping women address concerns about cervical health and disease. The group executes its mission to improve women’s cervical health outcomes through education, support and advocacy for women and health care providers.
The NCCC supports the nation’s first Cervical Cancer Hotline for women and family members who are battling issues related to cervical cancer. In addition, it promotes patient interaction and support though its Phone Pals and E-Pals Programs, which match cervical cancer survivors with other women who are now living with or have experienced similar circumstances. The NCCC raises awareness nationally through a variety of initiatives, including the Cervical Cancer Quilts Project, a traveling exhibit that puts a personal face on the battle against cervical cancer. To learn more about the NCCC, visit http://www.nccc-online.org.
National Cervical Cancer Coalition
CONTACT: Alan Kaye of National Cervical Cancer Coalition, 1-800-685-5531,nccc-online@att.net; or Gina Juliano of Cohn & Wolfe, +1-212-978-9769,gina_juliano@cohnwolfe.com
Web site: http://www.nccc-online.org/
