Papillomavirus

Cervical Cancer and HIV: The intimate connection

Published by: 
Health Systems Trust

Since 1997, over 33 000 women have died of cervical cancer in South Africa. This translates into roughly 3 000 per year. In addition, approximately 7000 women develop the disease every year. In 2000, a national cervical cancer screening policy was developed and put into place. The system uses a screening method to prevent the precancerous lesions from developing into cervical cancer through early detection and treatment. Screening takes place through pap smears with three free pap smears being offered to women in the public service at the ages of 30, 40 and 50.

Cervical cancer - is vaccination the way to go?

Series Name: 
Nursing Update
Published by: 
Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa
Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer (second to breast cancer) to affect women in South Africa. The most common cancer to affect black women - 31 per cent of all cancers - it is also preventable and treatable. It is associated with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), of which the most prevalent strains are 16 and 18. Cervical cancer also appears to be an opportunistic infection among those living with HIV as it links to a weakened immune system. In South Africa a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer is one in 26. Each year 6 700 women develop cervical cancer while 3 700 die from the disease annually in South Africa.

Cancer risk soars in HIV-positive people

People with HIV have a much higher risk for many cancers, including anal cancer, but a lower risk for prostate cancer, researchers said on Tuesday. Some types of cancers like Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma have long been associated with people infected by the virus that causes AIDS.

Cervical cancer vaccine backed: Routine use urged for girls 11 and 12

WASHINGTON--An influential committee of health experts recommended to state and federal health officials yesterday that girls ages 11 and 12 routinely receive a new vaccine that protects against cervical cancer.

Condoms Protect Against HPV and Are a Vital Complement to HPV Vaccine

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC - A newly published study in the June 22, 2006 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine shows that use of condoms helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, further substantiating condoms' usefulness in preventing most sexually transmitted infections, say two reproductive health experts at Family Health International (FHI) in an accompanying commentary.

Large, Randomized Study Confirms HPV Testing Is More Sensitive Than Both Conventional and Liquid-Based Pap Test

A study of more than 33,000 women published in the June issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that testing for high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significantly more sensitive tool for cervical cancer screening than either conventional or liquid-based cytology (Pap testing), announced Digene Corp. (NASDAQ: DIGE).