FDA approves the fist vaccine for cervical cancer, a week ago, the vaccine was aprooved in Mexico. With the name of Gardasil, and a cost of US$120.00/dose (2 doses to complete the treatment), I celebrate this effort against cancer.
Here in Mexico, cervical cancer is by far, the most common type of cancer (24.4%) in general population (including males). In females, again is the most common type of cancer (36%). The most common risk factor is infection from human papillomavirus (HPV).
This virus causes cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions and genital warts; the vaccine prevents against HPV types 16, 18 (causes 70% of cervical cancer cases); 6 and 11 (causes genital warts).
Let’s celebrate this fight against cancer.
Regards,
Jon Mikel Iñarritu, M.D.
