The challenge of eliminating cervical cancer in the United States: a story of politics, prudishness, and prevention.
Exciting strides in reducing the incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer have been made over the last century in the United States. The issues surrounding the implementation of the human papillomavirus vaccine are remarkably similar to the issues involved in the gradual adoption of the Pap test and initiation of cervical cancer screening beginning nearly a century ago. The following review of the reduction of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality demonstrates the importance of the interplay between basic science, clinical medicine, social mores, and public policy.
Fisher
Joslyn W
JW
Baylor College of Medicine, Section of General Medicine, Ben Taub General Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. joslyn@bcm.edu
Brundage
Susan I
SI
D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000266:history; D015994:Incidence; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000266:history*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000266:history / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000266:history / Q000821:virology*; D011640:Public Policy; D012945:Social Values; D014481:United States; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000266:history / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000266:history; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000266:history
D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines; D014765:Viral Vaccines