ScienceDaily: Cervical Cancer News

New study explores providers' perceptions of parental concerns about HPV vaccination

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:54:54 EDT

A new study has found that low-income and minority parents may be more receptive to vaccinating their daughters against Human Papillomavirus, while white, middle-class parents are more likely to defer the vaccination.

Focus on STD, not cancer prevention, to promote HPV vaccine use

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:04:04 EDT

The HPV vaccine can prevent both cervical cancer and a nasty sexually transmitted disease in women. But emphasizing the STD prevention will persuade more young women to get the vaccine.

Study compares effectiveness of two vs. Three doses of HPV vaccine for girls and young women

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:57:57 EDT

With the number of doses and cost of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines a barrier to global implementation, researchers have found that girls who received two doses of HPV vaccine had immune responses to HPV-16 and HPV-18 infection that were not worse than the responses for young women who received three doses, according to a new study.

Promising results from first U.S. clinical trial for stem cell-based treatment of ALS

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:55:55 EDT

Researchers who completed the first American clinical trial involving stem cell-based treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) were encouraged by the trial study's results, noting that this delivery approach could be a helpful therapeutic approach for other traumatic spine-related problems.

Screening detects ovarian cancer using neighboring cells

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:58:58 EDT

Pioneering biophotonics technology detects the early presence of ovarian cancer in humans by examining cells easily brushed from the neighboring cervix or uterus, not the ovaries themselves. The results have the potential to translate into a minimally invasive early detection method using cells collected by a swab, exactly like a pap smear.

Landmark studies report on success of using image-guided brachytherapy to treat cervical cancer

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 11:06:06 EDT

Two large, landmark radiotherapy studies have shown that it is possible to treat cervical cancer effectively with high doses specifically adapted to each tumour, and with fewer serious side-effects to the surrounding normal organs.

Report finds continuing challenges in changing behaviors that increase cancer risk

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:38:38 EDT

New research finds continuing challenges in changing behaviors and risk factors in order to reduce suffering and death from cancer.

Some types of papilloma virus might prevent cervical cancer

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:24:24 EDT

Certain types of papilloma virus might actually prevent cervical cancer, according to a new study.

Current HPV vaccine may not help some women with immune problems

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:32:32 EDT

Women with HIV acquire cancer-causing forms of the human papillomavirus that are not included in the current HPV vaccines Gardasil and Cervarix, according to new research.

Cervical cancer: DNA-based test more accurate than repeat smear ('Pap')

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:58:58 EDT

In women who have a potentially or mildly abnormal cervical smear, using a DNA-based test can identify those at higher risk of having precursors of cervical cancer, according to a new Cochrane systematic review. The authors found that the DNA-based test identified patients in possible need of treatment more accurately than a repeat smear test

Factoring in the deadly math of cancer

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:11:11 EST

Researchers are building complex mathematical models to understand cancer's evolution and how to treat it.

Degenerative cervical spine disease may not progress over time

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:09:09 EST

Follow-up data on patients with degenerative disease of the upper (cervical) spinal vertebrae show little or no evidence of worsening degeneration over time, according to a new study.

Cervical cancer: First 3-D image of an HPV oncoprotein

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:37:37 EST

For the first time, researchers have solved the three-dimensional structure of an important oncoprotein involved in cell proliferation and in the development of the human papilloma virus (HPV). Type 16 (HPV 16), which causes cervical cancer, is the most dangerous of human papilloma viruses. This work, published in Science on 8 February 2013, should make it possible to identify and improve medication to block the protein and prevent it from causing tumors.

Presence of intra-amniotic debris a risk for early preterm birth in first pregnancy

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:22:22 EST

Findings suggest increased risk of early preterm birth when intra-amniotic debris is present in women with short cervix.

Three questions about HPV vaccination

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:59:59 EST

In 2009, more than 30,000 people in the U.S. learned they had cancer linked to the human papillomavirus, or HPV. This virus is best known for causing cervical cancer, but it’s also the culprit behind many cancers of the mouth, throat, anus, and genitals. Unlike many forms of cancer, for which we lack the knowledge and tools to prevent, scientists have figured out how to dodge HPV-triggered cancers — by HPV vaccination. Vaccination against HPV thwarts the viruses’ spread, wrecking its ability to jump between people. Wiping out HPV could mean shutting down a big source of cancer cases — more than 3 percent of all diagnoses in the U.S.

Study shows promise of molecular screening for gynecologic cancers, commentary writers state

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:56:56 EST

A new study that proposes a three-in-one test for gynecologic cancers underscores the promise of molecular screening for early detection of endometrial and ovarian cancers, but also suggests that such tests are not yet ready for clinical use. Andrea Myers, MD, PhD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a co-author of the commentary on the study, says the test is an important step in that direction.

Scientists use Pap test fluid to detect ovarian, endometrial cancers

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:11:11 EST

Using cervical fluid obtained during routine Pap tests, scientists have developed a test to detect ovarian and endometrial cancers. In a pilot study, the “PapGene” test, which relies on genomic sequencing of cancer-specific mutations, accurately detected all 24 (100 percent) endometrial cancers and nine of 22 (41 percent) ovarian cancers.

First study of Oregon's Hmong reveals surprising influences on cancer screenings

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:29:29 EST

Cervical cancer rates for Hmong women are among the highest in the nation, yet past research has shown that cervical and breast cancer screening rates for this population are low -- in part because of the Hmong's strong patriarchal culture.

HPV-associated cancer incidence rates point to needed efforts to increase HPV vaccination coverage

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:21:21 EST

Despite the decline in cancer death rates in the US, there is an increase in incidence rates for cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and more efforts are needed to increase HPV vaccination coverage levels to prevent the occurrence of these cancers in the future according to a study published Jan. 7 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

U.S. cancer death rates continue to drop, report shows

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:13:13 EST

The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975–2009, shows that overall cancer death rates continued to decline in the United States among both men and women, among all major racial and ethnic groups, and for all of the most common cancer sites, including lung, colon and rectum, female breast, and prostate. However, the report also shows that death rates continued to increase during the latest time period (2000 through 2009) for melanoma of the skin (among men only) and for cancers of the liver, pancreas, and uterus. The special feature section on human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers shows that incidence rates are increasing for HPV-associated oropharyngeal and anal cancers and that vaccination coverage levels in the U.S. during 2008 and 2010 remained low among adolescent girls.

New understanding of nerve damage caused by spinal cord injury could improve treatment design

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:09:09 EST

More than half of traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) in humans are cervical lesions, resulting in chronic loss of limb function. A better understanding of the link between the neurologic damage caused by SCI, spontaneous motor function recovery, and long-term motor deficits would lead to better therapeutic approaches, new research suggests.

US cancer screening rates decline over the last 10 years, finds new study

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 08:01:01 EST

The rate of people who seek preventive cancer screenings has fallen over the last 10 years in the United States with wide variations between white-collar and blue-collar workers, according to a new study.

Preventing prostate cancer through androgen deprivation may have harmful effects

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:19:19 EST

Mice deficient in PTEN in the prostate developed stable precancers. Androgen deprivation promoted progression to invasive prostate cancer. Patients with PTEN-deficient prostate precancers may not benefit from androgen deprivation chemoprevention therapy.

Study questions reasons for routine pelvic exams

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 19:08:08 EST

The pelvic exam, a standard part of a woman’s gynecologic checkup, frequently is performed for reasons that are medically unjustified, according to new research that may lay the groundwork for future changes to medical practice.

HPV in older women may be due to reactivation of virus, not new infection

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 08:52:52 EST

A new study suggests that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women at or after menopause may represent an infection acquired years ago, and that HPV infections may exist below limits of detection after one to two years, similar to other viruses, such as varicella zoster, which can cause shingles. The study highlights the need for additional research to better understand HPV infections and the role of HPV persistence and reactivation, particularly in women of the baby boomer generation.

New test may improve cervical cancer detection

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 09:27:27 EST

Routine smear tests have considerably reduced the number of cases of cervical cancer, but despite intensive screening women still die from the disease every year. Researchers have developed new methods of minimizing the number of missed cases and making diagnosis more reliable.

Health reform could provide more than a million women in the U.S. with access to potentially life saving tests for breast and cervical cancer

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:26:26 EST

New research indicates that full implementation of the Affordable Care Act would expand health insurance coverage for more low-income women, enabling more than a million women to obtain potentially life-saving screening for breast and cervical cancer.

New studies shed light on what it cost to vaccinate girls against HPV in low income countries

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 22:17:17 EST

Two new studies examined the cost of delivering the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to primary school girls in Tanzania. Both studies found that the cost of HPV vaccine delivery to adolescent girls may be substantially higher compared with the cost of delivering a new vaccine to an infant where the delivery schedule matches the existing infant immunization schedule.

Cheaper and more effective test available for women following pre-cervical cancer treatment, study suggests

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:41:41 EDT

Testing women to see if they are cured of HPV (the virus that can cause genital warts and cervical cancer) following treatment for abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix is more effective and cheaper than cytology testing (cervical screening) alone, suggests a new study.

Nearly four out of ten lesbians not routinely screened for cervical cancer, U.S. study finds

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:48:48 EDT

Nearly 38% of lesbians polled in a national U.S. survey were not routinely screened for cervical cancer, putting them at risk of developing a highly preventable cancer, according to a new study. Cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted virus, the human papillomavirus, and can be detected through regular Pap smears.

Sexually abused women much less likely to be screened for cervical cancer, research finds

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 19:15:15 EDT

Women who have been sexually abused as children or young adults are much less likely to get screened for cervical cancer than other women, indicates new research.

Study affirms safety of HPV4 vaccine for adolescents and young women in routine clinical care

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 16:14:14 EDT

A study of almost 200,000 young females who received the quadrivalent human papilloma virus vaccine found that immunization was associated only with same-day syncope and skin infections in the two weeks after vaccination. These findings support the general safety of routine vaccination with HPV4 in a clinical care setting to prevent cervical and other genital and reproductive cancers.

Eliminating invasive cervical cancer possible, researchers report

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 08:56:56 EDT

Researchers have published a new paper that provides an overview on preventing invasive cervical cancer.

Assessment of HPV DNA Alone Insufficient to Identify HPV-Driven Head and Neck Cancers

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:50:50 EDT

Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA positivity alone, particularly when assessed using polymerase chain reaction methods, is a poor biomarker for HPV-driven head and neck cancers, according to two new studies.

Cervical cancer and pre-cancer cervical growths require single HPV protein

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:38:38 EDT

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has long been implicated in cervical cancer, but details of how it happens have remained a mystery. Now researchers have found that a single HPV protein is required for cervical cancer and even pre-cancer growths in the cervix to survive.

Cancer now leading cause of death in U.S. Hispanics

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:31:31 EDT

A new report from American Cancer Society researchers finds that despite declining death rates, cancer has surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death among Hispanics in the United States.

More effective treatments for throat and cervical cancer?

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 08:13:13 EDT

A breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for throat and cervical cancer. The discovery could see the development of new therapies, which would target the non-cancerous cells surrounding a tumor, as well as treating the tumor itself.

Should young men be vaccinated against human papilloma virus?

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:33:33 EDT

Vaccination against human papilloma virus (HPV) is recommended for young women to protect them from HPV infection and cervical cancer. Male HPV immunization is increasingly a topic of debate in the medical community.

HPV testing in HIV-positive women may help reduce frequent cervical cancer screening

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 13:50:50 EDT

Compared to the general population, HIV-positive women have a high risk of cervical cancer and thus are advised to undergo more frequent screening tests. This creates a burden for HIV-positive patients and the health care system, leading to frequent biopsies, which often do not reveal clinically relevant disease.

Secure protocol for linking data registries for HPV surveillance

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:39:39 EDT

Scientists have developed a secure protocol that allows the linking of individual patient records without revealing personal information, new research suggests.

HPV vaccine reduces infection, even in unvaccinated: Evidence of 'herd' protection

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 09:32:32 EDT

The HPV vaccine not only has resulted in a decrease in human papillomavirus infection in immunized teens but also in teens who were not immunized. The study is believed to be the first to show a substantial decrease in HPV infection in a community setting as well as herd protection.

Cutaneous human papillomavirus infection a risk factor for skin cancer

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:31:31 EDT

Researchers conducted a case control study and found associations between having antibodies to certain types of cutaneous human papillomavirus and a kind of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. According to the researchers, evidence has been emerging that cutaneous human papillomavirus infection (not the mucosal HPV infection that is associated with cervical cancers) may be an additional risk factor for SCC.

Groundbreaking discovery of the cellular origin of cervical cancer

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:16:16 EDT

Scientists have identified a unique set of cells in the cervix that are the cause of human papillomavirus-related cervical cancers. Significantly, the team also showed that these cells do not regenerate when excised. These findings have immense clinical implications in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.

Identifying the origins of cervical cancer

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:31:31 EDT

A specific population of cells that are found only in the region of the cervix called the 'squamo-columnar junction' can become cancerous when infected with HPV while other cells in the cervix apparently do not.

New anti-cancer vaccine developed and tested

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 15:23:23 EDT

Researchers have developed and tested in mice a synthetic vaccine and found it effective in killing human papillomavirus-derived cancer, a virus linked to cervical cancers among others.

Should spinal manipulation for neck pain be abandoned?

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 19:08:08 EDT

The effectiveness of spinal manipulation divides medical opinion. Experts debate whether spinal manipulation for neck pain should be abandoned.

HPV vaccine completion rate among girls is poor, getting worse

Fri, 04 May 2012 17:21:21 EDT

The proportion of insured girls and young women completing the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among those who initiated the series has dropped significantly -- as much as 63 percent -- since the vaccine was approved in 2006, according to new research.

Small molecular bodyguards kill HPV-infected cancer cells by protecting tumor-suppressor

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:54:54 EDT

Researchers have discovered small molecules that kill cancer cells caused by infection with human papillomavirus. Their results, in both cell and mouse models, demonstrate that the small molecule inhibitors protect a tumor-suppressing protein targeted by viral proteins, thus killing the infected tumor cells. The researchers believe that, with further testing and refinement, their inhibitors could provide a therapeutic for HPV-caused tumors, such as those seen in cervical cancer.

Pain relief with PAP injections may last 100 times longer than a traditional acupuncture treatment

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:37:37 EDT

Researchers have exploited the molecular mechanism behind acupuncture resulted in six-day pain relief in animal models. They call this new therapeutic approach PAPupuncture.

Young girls more likely to report side effects after HPV vaccine

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EDT

Younger girls are more likely than adult women to report side effects after receiving Gardasil, the human papillomavirus vaccine. The side effects are non-serious and similar to those associated with other vaccines, according to a new study.

HPV vaccination reduces the risk of infection even after a previous case of the disease, study suggests

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:08:08 EDT

The vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) reduces the risk of a renewed HPV-associated illness in patients who have already had diseases as a consequence of an HPV infection new research suggests. It had previously been the view that the HPV vaccination had a purely preventative effect and was also only effective in young women and men.

Health groups issue cervical cancer screening guidelines

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:33:33 EDT

A coalition of three health groups has released new guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. The guidelines generally advise a reduction in the number of tests women get over their lifetime to better ensure that they receive the benefits of testing while minimizing the harms.

Pockets of high cervical cancer rates found in North Carolina, U.S.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:41:41 EDT

A study of cervical cancer incidence and mortality in North Carolina has revealed areas where rates are unusually high.

Obesity and cancer screening: Does race and gender also play a role?

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:23:23 EST

Researchers recently found that obesity was linked to higher rates of prostate cancer screening across all races/ethnic differences and lower rates of cervical cancer screening, most notably in white women.

Ten gynecologic cancer symptoms women shouldn’t ignore

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:17:17 EST

Pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding aren’t the only signs of gynecologic cancer. Researchers share other symptoms that often are overlooked.

New study shows promise for preventing preterm births

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:59:59 EST

A new study has found that applying vaginal progesterone to women who are at a high risk of preterm birth significantly decreased the odds of a premature delivery.

Folate receptors may serve as a front door to ovarian cancer treatment

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:53:53 EDT

A new strategy that takes advantage of ovarian cancer's reliance on folate appears to give relapse patients extra months of life with few side effects, researchers say.

Clinical trial shows first evidence that anal cancer is preventable

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:53:53 EDT

A large, international clinical trial indicates that a vaccine to prevent anal cancer is safe and effective, according to a new study.

Women can self-test for HPV, easily and accurately, study suggests

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:39:39 EDT

A team of German researchers has shown that women can accurately test themselves for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the most common cause of cervical cancer.

Health groups issue proposed cervical cancer screening guidelines

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:50:50 EDT

Experts have proposed new guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer.