Cervical Cancer Breakthrough: Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Could Free Australia From Cervical Cancer

First Posted: May 05, 2016 05:30 AM EDT

Australian health experts believe that a five-yearly test for HPV (human papillomavirus) can prevent or eradicate cervical cancer.

Changes in #cervicalcancer screenings and testings could see a huge drop in cervical cancer rates: https://t.co/9mVsgDGvkn

— Clarissa Phillips (@clarissap83) May 3, 2016

Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer that affects women all around the globe. In 2012, the Cancer Council Australia reported that 869 Australians were diagnosed with cervical cancer. In 2013, 224 died from said cancer. Most cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus, which is a virus that you can get through sexual contact from someone who has it. Many adults are infected with HPV.

Marion Saville, the Victorian Cytology Service executive director said that in Australia, they have greatly reduced deaths from cervical cancer with their current approach and they believe they can do even better with screening that is less frequent and less costly of the health budget.

Cervical cancer back as top killer among women: Reports pic.twitter.com/UfJGOVJ8Nk — TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) May 4, 2016

Australian's new cervical screening test is scheduled on May 1, 2017. This will assess the women for HPV infection and will be given the shot of HPV vaccine. The test is applicable to women who are at least 25 years of age. The death rates caused by cervical cancer have been improved since the operation of the National Cervical Screening Programme in 1991.

The symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during sex, pain in the lower belly or pelvic and abnormal bleeding from the vagina. Medical professionals advise women to have a pap test regularly. This will determine if you have symptoms of cervical cancer.

The treatments for cervical cancer are radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery such as hysterectomy and removing of pelvic lymph nodes with or without removal of both the fallopian tubes and ovaries.