by SLLawson

Created on: May 28, 2008

When TV ads began showing that for the first time in history a vaccine had been developed to treat cervical cancer, I think the world breathed a collective sigh of relief. Not that it would eliminate all cancers, but it was definitely a step in the right direction. Discovering the link between the humanpapilomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer must have made some scientists, and many patients and families jump for joy knowing that now perhaps at least one type of cancer could be eradicated.

Up until now cervical cancer has been somewhat of a silent killer. In the US alone 10 women die each day from it and because there are very few symptoms, some never even knew they were sick until it was too late. If the following symptoms are present it's important to seek medical help to rule out cervical cancer:

1. Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
2. Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor
3. Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease if proper screening steps are taken early and regularly. An annual pap smear for women beginning no later than the age of 21, or earlier if sexually active, is the # 1 way to prevent this disease. And now the HPV vaccine has been added to that arsenal of prevention. In addition to a regular pap smear, your doctor may suggest an HPV DNA test where he screens to see of you are infected with any of the 13 strains of HPV that are most likely to cause cervical cancer.

If you are a woman, please take the time to get screened and encourage all the women you know to follow your example. Early detection saves thousand of lives every year. Now that we know what the main cause of cervical cancer is and that it can be prevented by a simple vaccine, we should all feel excited that perhaps even more research being done may yield similar positive results for other types of cancer.

Having cancer eradicated in my lifetime is my dream so I never have to watch another person suffer like my 25 year old daughter has over the past year and a half. So far she is lucky and the miraculous and controversial Stem Call Transplant therapy is what saved her life.

Stem Cell Transplants and now HPV vaccines both show huge strides in fulfilling the dreams of many research scientist in the field of cancer research. It's been happening slowly, but progress is being made.

Remember, the most common early sign of cervical cancer comes from a pap smear. Don't hesitate to take this first important step.

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