Cutting HPV Vaccine Costs to Poor Countries Should Spur More Vaccinations in US to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Cutting HPV Vaccine Costs to Poor Countries Should Spur More Vaccinations in US to Prevent Cervical Cancer

In response to today’s New York Times article reporting that the two manufacturers of cervical cancer vaccines will cut their prices in the world’s poorest countries:

“The global health community clearly recognizes the importance of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to prevent cervical cancer,” said Barbara A. Goff, MD, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO). “Unfortunately, this recognition has not translated into widespread adoption of the vaccine in the United States.

“As the health care providers for women who suffer from cervical and lower genital tract cancers, members of the SGO have long been primary advocates for the prevention of cervical and other HPV-related cancers. SGO strongly supports vaccination of both girls and boys against HPV to prevent HPV-related cancers. Use of these vaccines, coupled with recommended cervical cancer screening, would eliminate most cervical cancer. Other cancers associated with HPV including cancer of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and some head and neck cancers, may also be prevented with use of the HPV vaccine.”

Available to speak with reporters:

Barbara A. GoffSGO PresidentProfessor, Gynecologic OncologyUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattle, WA