How big is the cervical cancer problem in the US?
Recent studies in the United States revealed that over 6.2 millions new cases of HPV are diagnosed annually. The American Cancer Society reported approximately 9,700 new cases of cancer in 2005 and 3700 deaths from cervical cancer. The use of the yearly Pap smear tests and follow-up can prevent most cases of cervical cancer. The Pap smear can detect cell changes in the cervix before the changes can turn into cancer. The changes can be detected at an early, curable stage. Studies have shown that over 90% of cervical cancers in the US were in women who had never had a pap smear or had not had a pap smear in over the last five years. Who is recommended to receive the vaccine? The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that the vaccine should be given to all young women age 9 to 26. Since most cases of cervical cancer occurs in women over 40, it may be 25 years or more to see if the vaccine will drastically reduce cervical cancer. The vaccine is recommended to be given if
