FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2006

ASHA Observes Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC - Each year in the U.S. there are approximately 10,307 cases of cervical cancer, and 3710 deaths attributed to the disease. Worldwide, cervical cancer strikes just under 500,000 women annually and leads to over 270,000 deaths. That's why the American Social Health Association (ASHA), along with over three dozen other health organizations, observes January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and stands committed to providing the public with resources, improving screening and early detection.

While regular screening (such as Pap tests) have helped to greatly reduce cervical cancer deaths, another prevention tool may soon be available. Researchers have created vaccines that are effective in preventing the viral infections that can lead to cervical cancer in some cases. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common family of viruses, and HPV types 18 and 18 account for roughly two-thirds of all cervical cancers.

The experimental Gardasil vaccine, developed by Merck and Co., was found to be 100% effective at preventing “high-grade” cervical pre-cancers and non-invasive cervical cancers associated with HPV types 16 and 18 in recent clinical trials. This vaccine is now under consideration for licensing at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Meanwhile, GlaxoSmithKline's vaccine division has a similar vaccine in clinical trials.

While the ability to immunize against high-risk HPV types would be a great boost to public health, administering the new vaccine could pose challenges and has already caused concerns over how it will be administered and to whom.

ASHA recognizes these important educational challenges ahead and continues to make resources available through the National HPV & Cervical Cancer Prevention Resource Center. The Center was created to address the lack of nationally available HPV and cervical cancer prevention information and resources and is dedicated to addressing the multiple issues and challenges associated with HPV and cervical cancer prevention in the United States. In recent years ASHA has dedicated many resources, research and support systems to help people concerned about genital HPV. These efforts include national advocacy, hotline services, publications, and support groups.

ASHA's publications include HPV E-NEWS, a bi-monthly electronic journal that provides information on cervical cancer prevention, genital warts, the latest scientific discoveries and the newest treatment information. HPV E-NEWS also addresses the emotional aspects of being diagnosed with cervical cancer and HPV, offering support and advice through regular columns such as “Ask the Experts” and “Personal Perspectives.” A one-year subscription to HPV E-NEWS is just $25.00 and may be ordered online at www.hpvenews.com. Receive trial access to the journal by sending a request to hpvnet@ashastd.org.

Visit ASHA's National HPV & Cervical Cancer Prevention Resource Center for more information on HPV E-NEWS and other resources.