The Body The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource September 27, 2010 In the current study, investigators assessed anal oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) and anal cytology as screening tests for detecting high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN 2+), since this is an immediate precursor to anal cancer. A cross-sectional study of 401 HIV-positive men who have sex with men was […]
Ultrasensitive biosensor can detect proteins, aid in cancer diagnosis
Binding can be read in real time, instead of after days or weeks of laboratory analysis, meaning the nanotube molecular imprinting technique could pave the way for biosensors capable of detecting human papillomavirus or other viruses weeks sooner than available diagnostic techniques currently allow. As opposed to searching for the HPV antibody or cell-mediated immune responses after initial infection, the nanotube sensor can track the HPV protein directly. In addition, no chemical marker is required by the label-free electrochemical detection methods.
Experts call for more cervical cancer tests
Trinidad & Tobago’s Newsday
By LARA PICKFORD GORDON Tuesday, September 7 2010
SEXUALLY active females, even those classified as “children”, should get screened as a precaution against cervical cancer.
According to Professor Kimlin Tam Ashing, Professor, Department of Population Sciences and Director of the Centre of Community Alliance for Research and Education, City of Hope US, screening should start among females 18 years-old. However, she qualified this statement saying it should take place at the time of sexual initiation.
“Unfortunately, that could be 12 or 14 so at that age if the child, she is a child, has begun sexual activity she really needs to be getting a pap test,” she said at the launch of the research study, “Role of Stigma in Cervical Cancer Screening in Trinidad and Tobago” at the Carlton Savannah. Among its aims is to identify the barriers to cervical cancer screening.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in TT and data from the National Cancer Registry indicated that cervical cancer is the second leading cancer among women. Breast cancer ranks first. The pap smear test can be done annually or more frequently depending on what is found in the cells. Cervical cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) which is sexually transmitted and can cause cancerous cellular changes which affect the area at the opening of the uterus.
Prevalence of HPV Infection Among Females in the United States
JAMA
Eileen F. Dunne, MD, MPH; Elizabeth R. Unger, PhD, MD; Maya Sternberg, PhD; Geraldine McQuillan, PhD; David C. Swan, PhD; Sonya S. Patel, BS; Lauri E. Markowitz, MD
JAMA. 2007;297:813-819.
ABSTRACT
Context – Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is estimated to be the most common sexually transmitted infection. Baseline population prevalence data for HPV infection in the United States before widespread availability of a prophylactic HPV vaccine would be useful.
Objective – To determine the prevalence of HPV among females in the United States.
Design, Setting, and Participants – The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) uses a representative sample of the US noninstitutionalized civilian population. Females aged 14 to 59 years who were interviewed at home for NHANES 2003-2004 were examined in a mobile examination center and provided a self-collected vaginal swab specimen. Swabs were analyzed for HPV DNA by L1 consensus polymerase chain reaction followed by type-specific hybridization. Demographic and sexual behavior information was obtained from all participants.
Concern as Pap test rates drop
Sydney Morning Herald
Australia
Danny Rose, Medical Writer
August 24, 2010 – 6:04PM
AAP
Young women in Australia are shunning the uncomfortable, but potentially life-saving, Pap test.