At last we can start to see a benefit from this great treatment.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/h...370504.stm

Just wait for the NHS to say "It's too expensive"

I think it's going to be happening in the US soon, too. I'm very happy to hear about it.

I do not understand the age guidelines on this!

"Gardasil, made by Merck and Sanofi Pasteur, is designed to be given to girls and women aged nine to 26."

There are many women out there who are sexually active, single, HPV free and over the age of 26.

applekisses said:

I know...it baffles me too. Are they assuming that women over 26 already have it!??!!! I mean from what I hear, most women do have it but it just stays dormant. I dunno...?

CarrieLee said:

That's what I think...or that we're all married and have kids and don't have to worry about contracting it. I can think of no biological reason.

applekisses said:

I am not sure (I am speaking from a vague memory) but I think that the incubation time is quite long from infection to cellular transformation. Meaning that if you are over 26 the chance of getting cancer from a new HPV infection is significantly reduced. Over 26 are generally more sensible and less promiscuous too.

Of course all of this comes down to economics and target groups. I actually thought 9 was a bit young!

It may also be possible to request vaccines in specific cases in the future.

Still a GRAND STEP FORWARD!

PREDOMINANT said:

Reduced in the way that if you contract the virus after age 26 that once the cells transform you'll be elderly enough to have cancer anyway? Or it won't matter if you need to have a hysterectomy? I just don't understand the logic.
[Edited 9/22/06 8:04am]

applekisses said:

That you are more likely to be dead from something else. Not logic, just stats! Unfortunately

PREDOMINANT said:

That's disgusting...ageist and sexist...all the way around.

Anyway, I'm sure my doctor won't turn down a cash payment from this old crone... I'm getting it anyway.

applekisses said:

Exactly, buy it and it's yours. You want to try working in the field it is so depressing sometimes. You can find yourself almost willing "people" to die to make your stats stronger.

Do know that there is a treatment option of "watch and wait" for some cancers because the treatments can be more harmful than the disease itself and you are more likely to die of something else first!

It sucks, but especially in the UK where healthcare is free, they have to be budget conscious all he time.

Depressing, simply depressing.

Which is why when something as significant as this FINALLY gets the go ahead, I know the work is worthwhile, this will save thousands from needless suffering, happy day.

PREDOMINANT said:

I do work in the healthcare field...and I worked for one of the leading research medical schools in the US for four years. I understand the politics of research. But, I'm speaking as a woman and I think it's sickening that a lifestyle drug like Viagra can be sold over the internet and any geezer can get a script for it, but something like this that can save peoples lives is limited to the young because the older women will most likely be suffering from additional maladies anyway.