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Outdated practice of annual cervical-cancer screenings may cause more harm than good

A recent study found that many obstetrician-gynecologists continue to provide annual cervical-cancer screenings despite updated guidelines. The research suggests less frequent screening every three years can retain most benefits while reducing harms and costs. Experts recommend a more balanced approach to cervical cancer screening.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 9, 2013

Medical assessment in the blink of an eye

Researchers found that medical specialists can identify abnormality in breast and cervical cancer images with high accuracy, outperforming random guessing. However, localizing the issue proves challenging even for experts.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJun 17, 2013

Pretesting cervical tumors could inform treatment

Doctors at WashU Medicine have shown that testing cervical tumors before treatment can predict whether patients will do well with standard chemotherapy. The study supports personalized medicine for cervical cancer, a tumor normally treated with a one-size-fits-all approach.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateMay 31, 2013

Lower incidence of genital warts in young girls

A Swedish national registry study found that HPV vaccination before age 14 significantly reduced the incidence of genital warts in girls. The study also revealed socioeconomic disparities in vaccination rates, with higher educated parents more likely to vaccinate their daughters.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 13, 2013

Implementing HPV vaccinations at a young age is significant for vaccine effectiveness

A Swedish study found that females with university-educated parents were 15 times more likely to receive an HPV vaccine before age 20. The researchers also noted a decrease in genital warts incidence among unvaccinated women over 20 years old, suggesting a self-selection bias where high-risk women preferentially sought vaccination.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 13, 2013

Oncologist expands HPV research to anal cancer

A new study aims to determine the prevalence of abnormal anal cytology and high-risk HPV among women with a history of cervical pre-cancer or cancer. The researcher hopes to gather basic information to design larger studies that will analyze sensitivity and specificity of anal cytology and HPV testing.

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

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that HPV-associated cancer incidence rates have increased, highlighting the need for increased HPV vaccination coverage. Nationally, 32% of females aged 13-17 years had received three doses of the HPV vaccine in 2010.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 7, 2013

ACA: More than a million women could gain access to potentially life saving tests for cancer

A study by George Washington University researchers estimates that over 1 million low-income women could get mammograms and Pap tests for breast and cervical cancer. The Affordable Care Act could lead to major gains in screening and early detection, resulting in faster treatment and better outcomes for women across the nation.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateNov 15, 2012

Identifying the origins of cervical cancer

A population of cells in the squamo-columnar junction of the cervix have been found to be responsible for most HPV-associated cervical cancers. These cells can become cancerous when infected with HPV, while other cells in the cervix appear to be resistant to infection.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2012

Groundbreaking discovery of the cellular origin of cervical cancer

A team of researchers identified a unique set of cells at the squamocolumnar junction that express biomarkers found in all forms of invasive cervical cancers linked to HPV. These cells do not regenerate when excised, which has significant implications for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cervical cancer.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2012

3-D image guided brachytherapy helps avoid hysterectomies for cervical cancer patients

A study of 163 patients with cervical cancer found that 3D image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) achieved high rates of tumor control and low side effects, making hysterectomies unnecessary for most women. The technique was effective in controlling the return and spread of the disease, and overall survival was 84% after three years.

Major study shows that tobacco-related cancers and cervical cancer are important causes of death among working-age people in India

A new study published in The Lancet analyzed cancer death rates across India and found that oral, stomach, and lung cancers are major causes of death in men, while cervical, stomach, and breast cancers cause the most deaths among women. The study also highlighted significant geographical and social variations in cancer mortality rates.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 28, 2012

Prevalence of oral HPV infection higher among men than women

The study found that oral HPV infection was predominantly sexually transmitted and had peaks in different age ranges, with men having a significantly higher prevalence than women. Oral HPV prevalence was associated with several measures of sexual behavior, including the number of partners and current smoking habits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 26, 2012

Studies reveal potential of HPV vaccine to substantially reduce incidence of cervical cancer and suggest screening programs could be modified

A bivalent HPV vaccine has been shown to offer excellent protection against the most serious immediate precursor to invasive cervical cancer. The vaccine also partially protects against four other cancer-causing HPV types, which together with HPV16/18 cause about 85% of cervical cancer worldwide.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateNov 8, 2011