Cervical Screening Day includes update on HPV vaccine

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Alex Ferenczy, a McGill University professor and researcher, will be one of the speakers at the McMaster University Cervical Screening Day on May 25 at the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Ferenczy is an investigator on a clinical trial with a vaccine that will be effective against the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is responsible for most cases of cervical cancer, a disease that affects thousands of women every year.

Ferenczy feels researchers have finally arrived at the point of being able to prevent the majority of cervical cancer and pre-cancer by simply vaccinating women against the most frequent HPV types that are known to cause cervical cancer.

Laurie Elit, assistant professor, division of gynecologic oncology, says that members of the medical community and anyone interested in this topic will benefit from attending the screening day.

“The availability of such a highly effective vaccine to prevent cervical cancer is an incredible step forward in the fight against cancer,” she says. “Especially in the third world where the leading cause of death in women is cervical cancer.

“This vaccine prevents certain types of viral infections with HPV, which is acquired by sexual transmission. Members of the medical community are invited to attend this day on cervical screening which will address the delivery of care to all women at risk for this disease.”

Other speakers and topics include:

  • Meg McLachlin – Ontario Guidelines on Cervical Screening
  • Joan Randazzo (RN) – Colposcopy Clinic process at Hamilton Health Sciences
  • Terry Colgan – Liquid Based Cytology
  • John Lamont – How to tell a patient about HPV

Registration fee is $25 ($15 for medical residents). To register, contact McMaster University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at 905-521-2100, ext. 76280.