Cancer Care Associates, Oklahoma City, OK

Although cervical cancer numbers have plummeted, it's estimated that 11,500 women will be diagnosed with invasive cervical carcinoma and approximately 3,670 will die due to this cancer this year alone. There's a new way to fight it, said Dr. Daron Street, an oncologist with Cancer Care Associates. "There are now two vaccines out that are preventative," Street said. Cervical cancer is related to a virus.

Medical advances have created an immunization that can fight against HPV - the primary cause of most cervical cancers. The vaccines, approved last year, can protect women from developing precancerous lesions in the cervix, vulva and vagina.

HPV is the human papillomavirus, and it is a very common sexually transmitted disease. "Probably most sexually active people have been exposed," said Dr. Street. "Some people are able to clear the virus, but there's no way to know. "Yearly Pap exams are important for women because the virus can often be identiied early at this time. "Yearly screening saves a huge number of lives," Dr. Street said. "Until AIDS came on the scene, cervical cancer was the No. 1 killer of reproductive age women. "Without regular screening cervical cancer is virtually undetectable until it is too late. "It's not painful, and bleeding only starts when it's large," Dr. Street said. "You can get cervical cancer without the virus, but that is extremely rare. "However, these new vaccines can give women an opportunity to avoid HPV and this cancer.

The immunization is a series of three shots given over a few months. It's best to get the injections before a woman becomes sexually active. Families can talk to their pediatrician, gynecologist or general practitioner about the best time. The immunization is currently not covered by most insurance and costs just over $300.

There has been controversy surrounding the immunizations with some opponents saying it will cause promiscuity. "That's ludicrous," Dr. Street said. "This virus is a threat. It would be a disservice not to protect your loved ones. "Cervical cancer is treated like other cancers with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. "The treatments can be pretty horrific," he said. "You never know if your daughter or wife could be affected.

With this new advancement there is no reason to make them fight this. There's no reason to do that if it can be prevented. "Dr. Street is amazed at the advances made and is optimistic at what the future holds. "I hope to see more therapeutic vaccines in the next three years," he said. "I didn't think in my career I'd see preventative vaccines. Medicine is moving much quicker than it ever has before. We're in a biologic revolution."