Though worldwide cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, in India it is the most common and also the leading cause of cancer deaths. The availability of a safe vaccine holds the promise of cancer prevention. But the cost and accessibility stand in the way of its widespread use. Human Papilloma Virus Human papillomavirus is a non-enveloped DNA virus, many serotypes of which have oncogenic potential. It has a specific predilection to squamous epithelium of skin and mucosa.
The most common serotypes include 16 and 18 which have been linked to cervical cancer. Cofactors linked to the causation of cervical cancer include concurrent HIV infection, smoking, multiple sexual partners, hormonal contraceptives and other sexually transmitted diseases. Early detection of precancerous lesions using Pap smear is the best possible method for prevention. Treatment of these reduces…
