Cervical Cancer Control Research Articles

Oral contraceptives, human papillomavirus and cervical cancer

Oncogenic human papillomavirus is the key determinant of cervical cancer, but other risk factors interact with it to define individual risk. Among these, there is oral contraceptive (OC) use. A quantitative review of the link between OCs and cervical cancer was performed. Long-term (>5 year) current or recent OC use has been related to an about two-fold excess risk of cervical cancer. Such an excess risk, however, levels off after stopping use, and approaches unity 10 or more years after stopping. The public health implications of OC use for cervical cancer are limited. In any case, such implications are greater in middle-income and low-income countries, as well as in central and eastern Europe and Latin America, where cervical cancer screening and control remain inadequate.

Does Knowledge Influence Pap Test Screening Among Young African-American Women?

Pap test screening among African-American women has substantially increased. However, African-American women continue to bear the burden of cervical cancer as compared to White women. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of Pap test knowledge on cervical screening history among young African-American women. Between January and April 2009, 320 women from historically black colleges and universities located in the southeastern United States who met study inclusion criteria completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire to assess their awareness, knowledge, and behaviors related to human papillomavirus and cervical cancer prevention and control. Seventy-six percent of women reported ever having a Pap test, 54 % reported having a Pap test less than 1 year ago, and 25 % reported ever having an abnormal Pap test result. The overall mean score on the six-point Pap test knowledge scale was 4.46 ± 1.02. Women who reported having an abnormal Pap test (4.96 ± 0.82) had significantly higher Pap test knowledge compared to those never having an abnormal result (4.49 ± 1.04), p < 0.01. No other differences were found. Efforts to improve Pap test knowledge among all women, including those with no prior abnormal Pap test history, are critical to cervical cancer prevention and control over the life course. Such efforts should include creating information that is relevant to the population and enables informed decision making about cervical health.

Coverage of the English National human papillomavirus (HPV) Immunisation Programme among 12 to 17 year-old females by area-level deprivation score, England, 2008 to 2011

The English national human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation programme has offered vaccination to girls aged 12 years at the start of each school year since September 2008. A catch-up programme has offered vaccination to girls up to 18 years. Delivery is predominantly school-based, with some general practitioner (GP)-based immunisation. The relationship between HPV immunisation coverage and deprivation (index of multiple deprivation, IMD) was assessed by geographical area (N=151) for each school year offered the HPV vaccine between 2008 to 2011 using the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and compared to that for adequate cervical screening of women aged 25 to 49 years. Coverage at age 12 showed no significant association with IMD at the area-level (p=0.12). Within the catch-up years, there was some suggestion of higher deprivation being associated with lower coverage. This was not significant for girls offered immunisation under 16 years (in compulsory education) (p=0.09), but was more marked and statistically significant for older girls (p<0.0001). The proportion of women aged 25 to 49 years with an adequate cervical screen was negatively associated with deprivation (p<0.0001). School-based HPV immunisation delivery appears to be successfully reducing inequalities in cervical cancer control at area-level. However, the catch-up cohorts above the age of compulsory education may face increased inequality. Further investigation is needed into individual-level factors associated with coverage.

The burden, distribution and risk factors for cervical oncogenic human papilloma virus infection in HIV positive Nigerian women

BackgroundThe expected reduction in cervical cancer incidence as a result of increased access to antiretroviral therapy is yet to be seen. In this study we investigated the effect of HIV infection and treatment on high-risk (hr) human papilloma virus (HPV) prevalence and distribution.MethodsCervical cells from 515 (220 HIV positive and 295 HIV negative) women, recruited during community cervical cancer screening programme in states of Ogun and Lagos and at the cervical cancer screen clinic, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Lagos were evaluated for the presence of 13 hr HPV genotypes by polymerase chain reaction based assay.ResultsThe prevalence of high-risk HPV was 19.6% in the studied population. HPV 16 (3.9%), 35 (3.5%), 58 (3.3%) and 31 (3.3%) were the most common hr HPV infections detected. We observed that the prevalence of hr HPV was higher in HIV positives (24.5%) than 15.9% in HIV negative women (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1-2.7). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a lower hr HPV prevalence in HIV positive women on antiretroviral drugs (OR = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.3-0.5) and with CD4 count of 500 and above (OR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5-0.8). A higher prevalence of hr HPV was also noted in HIV positive women with CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3 (OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7-5.9).ConclusionHPV 16, 35, 58 and 31 genotypes were the most common hr HPV infection in our study group, which could be regarded as high risk general population sample; with higher prevalence of HPV 16 and 35 in HIV positive women than in HIV negative women. The use of antiretroviral drugs was found to be associated with a lower prevalence of hr HPV infection, compared to those not on treatment. This study raises important issues that should be further investigated to enable the development of robust cervical cancer prevention and control strategies for women in our setting.

Tecnologia e campos disciplinares: os citotécnicos e a implementação do teste de Papanicolaou no Brasil

The implementation of the Pap test as a primary technology in the control of cervical cancer in Brazil was the result of choices, agreements and disputes among certain professional groups, including physicians from various specialisations, pharmacists, biologists, biomedical scientists and cytotechnologists. The first part of the paper describes the process of formulating Brazil's first screening campaigns using the Pap smear, and the subsequent emergence of the profession of cytotechnology, whose practitioners interpret this test. Second, based on questions raised by international historiography in the field of science and technology, we explore in detail how the adoption of the Pap smear transpired within the Brazilian context, focussing on the debates among the various professional groups with an interest in the suitability of the test and on the relationships between the public and private healthcare sectors. We show that the professional career of cytotechnologists and the way in which the Pap smear has been implemented as a central technology for cervical cancer screening in Brazil have been shaped by the conflicting views of this technology held by different disciplines as well as by the relationship between these disciplines and labour market dynamics.

Is there any clinical significance of compression of left common iliac vein?

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has been noted to occur as much as 60% more frequently in the left lower extremity than in the right extremity [1]. Virchow first suggested this disparity in 1851 when he observed that iliofemoral vein thrombosis was five times more likely to occur in the left leg than in the right leg [2]. In 1957, May and Thurner [3] pathologic changes at the points where the right common iliac artery crosses over the left common iliac artery. They found that the right iliac artery compressed the left iliac vein against the fifth lumbar vertebra in 22% of 430 cadavers. A recent large number of study using computed tomography showed that mean percentage of compression was 36.6%: 29.7% (66/222) of greater than 50% compression and 7.2% (16/222) of greater than 70% compression [4]. They concluded that increasing levels of percentage compression were not associated with left-sided DVT up to 70%; however, greater than 70% compression might be associated with left DVT. The results of this study are consistent with those of previous smaller studies on iliac vein compression [5,6]. However, Kibbe et al. [7] reported that hemodynamically significant left common iliac vein compression is a frequent anatomic variant in asymptomatic individuals. Hence, they concluded that compression of the left iliac vein might represent a normal anatomic pattern that has thus far been thought as a pathologic condition. Several studies have demonstrated that therapeutic roles of lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer and cervical cancer [8-10]. Moreover, extended systematic lymph node dissection resulted in high regional tumor control and high metastatic lymph node rate in cervical cancer [11,12]. To perform the extended systematic lymphadenectomy, it is important to know the exact anatomy of major retroperitoneal vascular structure. Kose et al. [13] demonstrated that prevalence of major retroperitoneal vascular structure anomalies was 17% and common iliac artery and/or vein anomalies was 1.8%. Presence of these anomalies may lead to devastating complications resulting in organ loss or death. However, a few data on anomalies of common iliac vessels are available. Cancer patients are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism. For prediction of venous thromboembolism, several biomarkers were introduced including blood count analysis (elevated leukocyte and platelet count and decreased hemoglobin), D-dimer, prothrombin fragment, soluble P-selectin, and clotting factor VII [14]. Furthermore, risk assessment models were developed that include clinical and laboratory markers. From a clinical perspective, it would be helpful to have biomarkers that enable early identification of cancer patients at risk of venous thromboembolism and to target anticoagulation for primary prevention of venous thormboembolism based on risk stratification. In summary, severe compression of the common iliac vein may be associated with left-sided DVT. We should be concerned about the degree of compression to the common iliac vein during systematic para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy for the treatment of gynecologic cancer patients. To prevent life threatening bleeding during systematic lymphadenectomy, it is important to know the exact anatomy of major retroperitoneal vascular structure including common iliac vessels [15]. Thromboprophylaxis is considered to reduce venous thromoembolism using several biomarkers and clinical parameters.

Comprehensive cervical cancer prevention and control in the Asia Pacific region: the 6th Biennial Conference of the Asia Oceania Research Organization on Genital Infections &amp; Neoplasia (AOGIN)

As the leading cancer killer of women in developing countries, cervical cancer accounts for more than a quarter million deaths each year, more than 50% of cases occur within the Asian-Pacific region, which can be prevented by appropriate interventions. Therefore, in 2005, we have developed an expert multi-disciplinary group within the region and along the lines of European Research Organization on Genital Infection and Neoplasia (EUROGIN)/European Course on HPV Associated Pathology Virus (ECHPV), as developed for Europe and, more recently, Latin America. The Asia Oceania research organization on Genital Infections & Neoplasia (AOGIN) works with health care workers as well as the lay public, particularly those in women’s health with the goals of collaboration and research, scientific exchanges, education and training, providing information, surveys, and audits. AOGIN brings together clinicians and scientists whose work is related to genital infections and neoplasia.

Viva Mulher: constructing a cervical cancer control program in Brazil.

Through a number of isolated initiatives that began in the 1960s, Brazil accumulated knowledge and experience that in the late 1990s culminated in the implementation of the first nationwide public health action meant to coordinate health bodies and personnel from the federal, state, and municipal administrative levels to address a chronic degenerative disease. The main goal of this article is to analyze the process of construction of this public policy for cancer control in Brazil--more specifically, organized screening for the control of cervical cancer in the form of the Viva Mulher program. Our analytical approach relies on elements from the history of public policy and from the history of institutions, combining the use of documental sources, scientific literature, and interviews with managers involved in the process under study. Our analysis endeavors to show how and to what extent this national process incorporated the experiences of local projects and responded both to pressure from the social movement and to the country's political environment. It further shows how the new context, shaped by changes in the organization of the Brazilian health system, influenced this process.

Cervical cancer control for Hispanic women in Texas: Strategies from research and practice

Cervical cancer control for Hispanic women in Texas: Strategies from research and practice

Mind the gaps: a qualitative study of perceptions of healthcare professionals on challenges and proposed remedies for cervical cancer help-seeking in post conflict northern Uganda

BackgroundThere are limited data on perceptions of health professionals on challenges faced by cervical cancer patients seeking healthcare in the developing countries. We explored the views of operational level health professionals on perceived barriers to cervical screening and early help–seeking for symptomatic cervical cancer and the proposed remedies to the challenges.MethodsFifteen key informant interviews were held with health professionals including medical directors, gynecologists, medical officers, nurses and midwives in the gynecology and obstetrics departments of two hospitals in northern Uganda during August 2012 to April 2013. We used content analysis techniques to analyze the data.ResultsHealth professionals’ perceived barriers to cervical cancer care included: (i) patients and community related barriers e.g. lack of awareness on cervical cancer and available services, discomfort with exposure of women’s genitals and perceived pain during pelvic examinations, and men’s lack of emotional support to women (ii) individual healthcare professional’s challenges e.g. inadequate knowledge and skills about cervical cancer management; (iii) health facility related barriers e.g. long distances and lack of transport to cervical cancer screening and care centers, few gynecologists and lack of pathologists, delayed histology results, lack of established palliative care services and inadequate pain control; and (iv) health policy challenges e.g. lack of specialized cancer treatment services, and lack of vaccination for human papilloma virus. Other challenges included increased number of cervical cancer patients and late stage of cervical cancer at presentations.ConclusionsOperational level healthcare professionals in northern Uganda reported several practical challenges facing cervical cancer care that influence their decisions, management goals and practices. The challenges and proposed remedies can inform targeted interventions for early detection, management, and control of cervical cancer in Uganda.

Genetic Predictors of Cervical Dysplasia in African American HIV-Infected Women: ACTG DACS 268

Objective: To examine genome-wide associations in HIV-infected women with a history of cervical dysplasia compared with HIV-infected women with no history of abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) tests. Design: Case-control study using data from women analyzed for the HIV Controllers Study and enrolled in HIV treatment-naïve studies in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG). Methods: Genotyping utilized Illumina HumanHap 650 Y or 1MDuo platforms. After quality control and principal component analysis, ~610,000 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were tested for association. Threshold for significance was P < 5 × 10–8 for genome-wide associations. Results: No significant genomic association was observed between women with low-grade dysplasia and controls. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis between women with high-grade dysplasia or invasive cervical cancer and normal controls identified significant SNPs. In the analyses limited to African American women, 11 SNPs were significantly associated with the development of high-grade dysplasia or cancer after correcting for multiple comparisons. The model using significant SNPs alone had improved accuracy in predicting high-grade dysplasia in African American women compared to the use of clinical data (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for genetic and clinical model = 0.9 and 0.747, respectively). Conclusions: These preliminary data serve as proof of concept that there may be a genetic predisposition to developing high-grade cervical dysplasia in African American HIV-infected women. Given the small sample size, the results need to be validated in a separate cohort.

Advancing cervical cancer prevention in India: implementation science priorities.

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in India, accounting for 17% of all cancer deaths among women aged 30 to 69 years. At current incidence rates, the annual burden of new cases in India is projected to increase to 225,000 by 2025, but there are few large-scale, organized cervical cancer prevention programs in the country. We conducted a review of the cervical cancer prevention research literature and programmatic experiences in India to summarize the current state of knowledge and practices and recommend research priorities to address the gap in services. We found that research and programs in India have demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of cervical cancer prevention efforts and that screening strategies requiring minimal additional human resources and laboratory infrastructure can reduce morbidity and mortality. However, additional evidence generated through implementation science research is needed to ensure that cervical cancer prevention efforts have the desired impact and are cost-effective. Specifically, implementation science research is needed to understand individual- and community-level barriers to screening and diagnostic and treatment services; to improve health care worker performance; to strengthen links among screening, diagnosis, and treatment; and to determine optimal program design, outcomes, and costs. With a quarter of the global burden of cervical cancer in India, there is no better time than now to translate research findings to practice. Implementation science can help ensure that investments in cervical cancer prevention and control result in the greatest impact.

Advancing Cervical Cancer Prevention in India: Implementation Science Priorities

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in India, accounting for 17% of all cancer deaths among women aged 30 to 69 years. At current incidence rates, the annual burden of new cases in India is projected to increase to 225,000 by 2025, but there are few large-scale, organized cervical cancer prevention programs in the country. We conducted a review of the cervical cancer prevention research literature and programmatic experiences in India to summarize the current state of knowledge and practices and recommend research priorities to address the gap in services. We found that research and programs in India have demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of cervical cancer prevention efforts and that screening strategies requiring minimal additional human resources and laboratory infrastructure can reduce morbidity and mortality. However, additional evidence generated through implementation science research is needed to ensure that cervical cancer prevention efforts have the desired impact and are cost-effective. Specifically, implementation science research is needed to understand individual- and community-level barriers to screening and diagnostic and treatment services; to improve health care worker performance; to strengthen links among screening, diagnosis, and treatment; and to determine optimal program design, outcomes, and costs. With a quarter of the global burden of cervical cancer in India, there is no better time than now to translate research findings to practice. Implementation science can help ensure that investments in cervical cancer prevention and control result in the greatest impact.

Abstract C27: Cervical cytology screening patterns among low-income, minority adolescents in New York City following the 2009 ACOG guidelines

Abstract Objectives: In 2009, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued new guidelines for cervical cancer screening to begin at age 21 based on the low incidence of cancer and the adverse effects associated with follow-up of abnormal screening results in young women. It is unclear whether low-income, minority adolescent girls, often presenting with higher risk for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer, are screened according to current guidelines. In this study, we examine rates of first lifetime Papanicolaou (Pap) test and predictors of first screening at &amp;lt;21 years of age among adolescents within a large ambulatory care network serving an urban, low-income, minority population in New York City. Methods: We compared rates of first lifetime Pap test between June 2007-November 2009 (pre-guideline) and December 2009-June 2012 (post-guideline). Data were obtained from electronic health records of adolescent females (ages 13-20) who had at least one clinic visit within the ambulatory care network during each study period and no Pap tests before each study period (pre-guideline: n=7,700; post-guideline: n=9,637). Clinic sites included pediatric, family medicine, family planning, obstetrics, gynecology, or school-based health facilities. We examined screening rates in each study period by demographic characteristics, health care factors, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing history, and HPV vaccination status. We employed multivariable regression models to identify demographic and health care factors associated with receiving a first lifetime Pap test at &amp;lt;21 years of age (over-screening) in the post-guideline period. Results: Rates of first lifetime Pap test declined from 19.3% to 5.7% (p &amp;lt;0.001) between the two study periods. Demographic, health care, and STI testing characteristics of adolescent girls were similar for the two study periods. The average age for each study period was 15 years. The majority of girls were Latina (pre-guideline: 75.8%, post-guideline: 76.8%) and most were covered by public insurance (pre-guideline: 69.1%, post-guideline: 72.7%). Only HPV vaccination history differed between the two periods, with higher initiation and completion rates among girls in the post-guideline period. Over-screening remained high in the post-guideline period for adolescent girls without insurance (9.9%), those who visited gynecologic, obstetrics, or family planning clinics (9.6%), had five or more clinic visits during the study period (11.3%) or were recently tested for a sexually transmitted infection (7.3%). Adjusted multivariable logistic regression results showed receiving care from gynecology, obstetrics, or family planning clinics (OR 3.87, 95% CI: 2.65-5.65) compared to pediatric clinics, having more clinic encounters (OR 6.72, 95% CI: 4.77, 9.45), and older age (OR 4.72, 95% CI: 2.97, 7.49) were associated with over-screening in the post-guideline period. HPV vaccination status, language spoken, and race/ethnicity were not associated with over-screening. Conclusions: While rates of first lifetime Pap tests declined substantially following the 2009 guidelines, we found that adherence to new recommendations differed by health care system factors, including site of care, insurance status, and number of clinic encounters. It is important to eliminate unnecessary medical tests, especially if disclosure and follow-up of abnormal screening results can lead to other adverse effects. In the quickly evolving field of cervical cancer control, it will be important to monitor practice trends as they relate to shifts in population-based guidelines, especially in relation to high-risk populations. Citation Format: Jennifer Tsui, Annika Hofstetter, Karen Soren. Cervical cytology screening patterns among low-income, minority adolescents in New York City following the 2009 ACOG guidelines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr C27.

Galectin-1 Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Local Recurrence and Survival After Definitive Radiation Therapy for Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix

To investigate the role of galectin-1 in patients with cervical cancer after definitive radiation therapy. We reviewed 154 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage I-II squamous cell carcinoma. Patients underwent curative-intent radiation therapy. Paraffin-embedded tissues were analyzed using immunohistochemistry staining for galectin-1. The rates of cancer-specific survival (CSS), local recurrence (LR), and distant metastasis were compared among patient tissue samples with no, weak, and strong galectin-1 expression. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazard model with hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively. The areas under the curve for the intracellular expression scores of galectin-1 for both LR and CSS were significantly higher than those for stromal expression. There were no significant differences in the demographic data, such as stage and serum tumor markers, between patients with and without intracellular expression of galectin-1 in cancer tissue samples. Using multivariate analyses, the hazard ratios of LR and CSS were 2.60 (95% CI 1.50-4.52) (P=.001) and 1.94 (95% CI 1.18-3.19) (P=.010), respectively. Galectin-1 is an independent prognostic factor associated with LR and CSS in stage I-II cervical cancer patients undergoing definitive radiation therapy. Further studies targeting galectin-1 may improve the local control of cervical cancer.

Efficacy and safety of human papillomavirus vaccine for primary prevention of cervical cancer: A review of evidence from phase III trials and national programs

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have been widely introduced in the national immunization programs in most of the medium and high income countries following endorsement from national and international advisory bodies. HPV vaccine is unique and its introduction is challenging in many ways – it is the first vaccine developed to prevent any cancer, the vaccine is gender specific, it targets adolescent females who are difficult to reach by any health intervention programs. It is not unusual for such a vaccine to face scepticism and reservations not only from lay public but also from professionals in spite of the clinical trial results convincingly and consistently proving their efficacy and safety. Over the last few years millions of doses of the HPV vaccine have been administered round the world and the efficacy and safety data have started coming from the real life programs. A comprehensive cervical cancer control program involving HPV vaccination of the adolescent girls and screening of the adult women has been proved to be the most cost-effective approach to reduce the burden of cervical cancer. The present article discusses the justification of HPV vaccination in the backdrop of natural history of cervical cancer, the mechanism of action of the vaccines, efficacy and safety data from phase III randomized controlled trials as well as from the national immunization programs of various countries.

Patient knowledge and beliefs as barriers to extending cervical cancer screening intervals in Federally Qualified Health Centers

ObjectiveDespite guidelines recommending cervical cancer screening intervals be extended beyond one year, clinical practice has been slow to change. Patient preferences are a potential barrier. In the Centers for Disease Control's Cervical Cancer (Cx3) Study at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across Illinois, we surveyed patients about screening practices, and assessed beliefs regarding lengthening screening intervals. MethodWe analyzed data from 984 low income women in the Cx3 Study (2009–2011). Participants completed a survey assessing health history, knowledge about Pap testing, beliefs and intentions about extending screening intervals, and demographics. ResultsThe majority reported annual Pap testing (61%), while only 24% reported a 2–3year screening interval (recommendation at time of survey). Misunderstandings about the Pap test were prevalent, with over half believing it screened for vaginal, yeast, and sexually transmitted infections (58%–72%). Unfavorable beliefs about extending screening intervals were common. The majority (57%) indicated that they would not wait 3years to be screened if their physician recommended it, and intentions were associated with knowledge about Pap testing. ConclusionMost women reported annual cervical cancer screening, and intended to resist longer screening intervals. Patients' lack of knowledge and unfavorable beliefs may serve as barriers to extending screening intervals.

Integration of comprehensive women’s health programmes into health systems: cervical cancer prevention, care and control in Rwanda

Although it is highly preventable and treatable, cervical cancer is the most common and most deadly cancer among women in Rwanda. By mobilizing a diverse coalition of partnerships, Rwanda became the first country in Africa to develop and implement a national strategic plan for cervical cancer prevention, screening and treatment. Rwanda - a small, landlocked nation in East Africa with a population of 10.4 million - is well positioned to tackle a number of "high-burden" noncommunicable diseases. The country's integrated response to infectious diseases has resulted in steep declines in premature mortality over the past decade. In 2011-2012, Rwanda vaccinated 227,246 girls with all three doses of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Among eligible girls, three-dose coverage rates of 93.2% and 96.6% were achieved in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The country has also initiated nationwide screening and treatment programmes that are based on visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid, testing for HPV DNA, cryotherapy, the loop electrosurgical excision procedure and various advanced treatment options. Low-income countries should begin to address cervical cancer by integrating prevention, screening and treatment into routine women's health services. This requires political will, cross-sectoral collaboration and planning, innovative partnerships and robust monitoring and evaluation. With external support and adequate planning, high nationwide coverage rates for HPV vaccination and screening for cervical cancer can be achieved within a few years.

English

Persistent infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered to be the main causative agent of cervical cancer and other anogenital cancers. Of the more than 30 genotypes capable of infecting the anogenital tract, it is estimated that, worldwide, HPV 16 and 18 cause 70% of the cervical cancers. Control through primary prevention has become a distinct reality through a prophylactic vaccine, which may take quite some time for its widespread use. Thus control of cervical cancer through cervical screening strategy is the only viable solution now. Despite the high rates of false negative results associated with cervical cytology, it is still considered as the gold standard for cervical cancer screening in developing countries. The advent of highly sensitive and specific HPV DNA detection techniques has offered a lot of promise for cervical cancer prevention. The severe restriction on the availability of infrastructure, resources and funding in developing countries has made it difficult to adopt HPV DNA detection as a routine cervical cancer prevention strategy. This present discourse is a review of relevant literature using internet search engines such as; PubMed and Google. Due to the limitations of Pap smear, there is need to consider HPV DNA detection as a useful adjunct to Pap smear screening, in order to effectively control cervical cancer in developing countries. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Human papillomavirus (HPV), DNA detection techniques, cervical cancer.

Human Papillomavirus-Mediated Cervical Cancer Awareness and Gardasil Vaccination: A Pilot Survey Among North Indian Women

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-mediated cervical cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women worldwide, including Indian women. Cervical cancer control and prevention strategies are being adopted in developing nations to reduce the increasing burden of HPV infection in the vaccine era. The present study, therefore, aimed to evaluate cervical cancer awareness and knowledge of Gardasil vaccination in North Indian women. A pilot survey was conducted among 103 women of North Indian ethnicity residing in Lucknow/adjoining areas in state of Uttar Pradesh, during routine screening/clinic visits from June 2012 to December 2012. The study subjects were interviewed in either Hindi or English; subsequently the awareness of HPV-mediated cervical cancer and knowledge of Gardasil vaccination was assessed in terms of "yes", "no" and "no response". The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Written informed consent was taken from the participants. Overall, the response of participants (n=103) in our single-centre survey-based pilot study was well-defined. The response regarding HPV-mediated cervical cancer awareness in terms of "yes", "no" and "no response" among the study subjects was 43.7, 44.7 and 11.6%, respectively. Furthermore, in response to knowledge of HPV vaccine Gardasil, out of 103 subjects, 28.1% answered "yes" while 37.9 and 34.0% stated "no" and "no response", respectively. Our pilot survey may help in assessing knowledge of HPV-mediated cervical cancer and Gardasil vaccination awareness in women, and accordingly develop cost-effective cervical cancer control and prevention/public health counseling sessions in a clinical setting.