CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Diane Harper, a researcher at Norris Cotton Cancer Center in Lebanon, N.H., has studied the link between human papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer for 20 years. Harper now believes she may have found a vaccine that protects against the two strains of HPV that are linked to 70% of cervical cancers. The vaccine, made by GlaxoSmithKline, was tested from 2000 to 2003 on 1,113 women ages 15 to 25 from the United States, Canada, and Brazil. In women who received three injections and follow-up testing, the vaccine was 100% effective. In those who received only one or two injections, the vaccine proved to be 91% effective. The vaccine offers protection for three to five years. No side effects, except for pain or redness at the injection site, were reported, said Harper, who added that she is an independent researcher and is not paid by GlaxoSmithKline. "It offers such an advantage for women and such a change in health care, one that we will actually see in the next five years," Harper said of the vaccine. If approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it could be available early next year. "I'm extremely excited about the possibilities." According to preliminary findings, said Harper, the vaccine may protect against HPV-associated diseases such as anal cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvular cancer, esophageal cancer, abnormal Pap smears, and mouth or oral cancer. "It's going to take us 20 to 30 years to get the data, but we're really hopeful this has long-term protective effects," she said. The vaccine is now in phase III trials--the final step before licensing the drug for general use--and involves 15,000 women worldwide. If approved, said Harper, the vaccine would be recommended for girls ages 10 to 12 with booster immunizations later. Harper and her research team also are examining an HPV vaccination for men, who often unknowingly carry the infection. HPV is believed to be the most common sexually transmitted disease among gay men. Studies suggest that more than half of all sexually active gay men and as many as 90% of HIV-positive gay men carry HPV. The virus can cause anal or genital warts, and certain strains have been linked with an increased risk of anal cancer. (AP, with additional reporting by Advocate.com)
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Here Are Our 2024 Election Predictions. Will They Come True?
November 07 2023 1:46 PM
17 Celebs Who Are Out & Proud of Their Trans & Nonbinary Kids
November 30 2023 10:41 AM
Here Are the 15 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities in the U.S.
November 01 2023 5:09 PM
Which State Is the Queerest? These Are the States With the Most LGBTQ+ People
December 11 2023 10:00 AM
These 27 Senate Hearing Room Gay Sex Jokes Are Truly Exquisite
December 17 2023 3:33 PM
10 Cheeky and Homoerotic Photos From Bob Mizer's Nude Films
November 18 2023 10:05 PM
30 Steamy Photos of Folsom Street Fair 2023 Debauchery
October 15 2023 11:06 PM
42 Flaming Hot Photos From 2024's Australian Firefighters Calendar
November 10 2023 6:08 PM
These Are the 5 States With the Smallest Percentage of LGBTQ+ People
December 13 2023 9:15 AM
60 Burly Pics from Bearrison Street Fair 2022
October 08 2023 8:30 PM
Watch Now: Advocate Channel
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Latest Stories
Prince William's aversion to spectacle created one — and might spawn a King Harry
March 22 2024 6:24 PM
Outrage after Oklahoma prosecutor declines charges in Nex Benedict bullying death
March 22 2024 5:21 PM
George Santos leaves Republican Party, will run for House seat as independent
March 22 2024 4:07 PM
Catherine, Princess of Wales, announces she has cancer
March 22 2024 2:57 PM
Pride
Yahoo FeedProhibition Wellness & revolutionizing self-care for all
March 22 2024 1:19 PM
Tennessee bill would permit anti-LGBTQ+ foster and adoptee parents
March 22 2024 11:54 AM
Plus
Yahoo Feed8 dating tips for gay men from a gay psychotherapist
March 22 2024 11:51 AM
Trans woman assailed during Kanye West's Rolling Loud set beats back 'bullies' (exclusive)
March 22 2024 11:34 AM