GSK introduces vaccine for cancer

By Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

'Prevention is better than cure' though a hackneyed cliche is the best principle to be free from contracting a deadly disease such as cervical cancer.

A breakthrough vaccine that could prevent the virulent disease was introduced to Sri Lanka for the first time by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals on Wednesday.

Cervarix used in immunisation programs in many countries has helped prevent women acquiring the disease in their prime.

The introduction of the vaccine in immunisation programs in Sri Lanka would help reduce the number of cervical cancer patients in the country.

The second most commonest cancer among women cervical cancer claims the life of a women every four minutes in Asia and it is reported that over 1,000 Sri Lankan women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year.

The number of those diagnosed for cervical cancer is on the rise despite it being a preventable disease.

Cancer of the cervix occurs when the cells of the cervix turn abnormal and grow out of control.

Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which infects the cervix.

The virus is common and is transmitted through contact of genital areas.

Gynaecological Oncological Surgeon Dr. Kanishka Karunaratne said "the HPV is a friendly virus as it shows very few symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage".

Early vaccination and regular screening will help prevent acquiring cervical cancer. Pap smear tests will help detect the early stages of cervical cancer but will not prevent HPV infection that causes the cancer.

Studies reveal that young sexually active women are at a higher risk of acquiring an HPV infection which might lead to cervical cancer. However, every sexually active woman is at risk.

According to Dr. Karunarate those living a promiscuous life are more prone to acquire the deadly disease.

"An absence of a sound pap smear screening program with a call recall system in the country is an impediment to address the problem. Lobbying for a national program has fallen on deaf ears", he said.