Review of HPV Vaccine in regards to Cervical Cancer

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer type, affecting more than 12,000 women per year, and the second most prevalent cancer in women in underdeveloped countries (Wang et al.). Research over the years has observed an association between cervical cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Eighty-four percent of HPV-related cancers are diagnosed to be cervical cancer (Wang et al.) and researchers are striving to find a solution that would aid in reducing HPV and in turn, diminish the number of cervical cancer cases per year. Currently, there are three types of prophylactic vaccines that are commercially available that help prevent HPV (Wang et al.).  These vaccines have been successful in preventing against 70-90% of HPV infections, but scientists are currently trying to develop new therapeutic vaccines (Wang et al.). Currently, there are more than 200 million doses of the prophylactic HPV vaccine provided worldwide, with 118 million receiving only the first dose (Wang et al.).