Cervical cancer is likely to be the first kind of malignant tumors to be completely cured, according to news from the aviso meeting for the national promotion week for the prevention and cure of tumors held by the Ministry of Health.

Cervical cancer vaccine, the first cancer-preventing vaccine, is now undergoing its last clinic trial and is expected to go into production in two to three years.

Experts point out that the pathogeny of cervical cancer is very clear, that is the continual infection of high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV). As the fees for cervical cancer examination and cytology inspection are relatively low, costing under 20 yuan (US$2.4) , high-risk groups can be screened through clinical check-ups. And if these check-ups were applied properly, 98% of patients can be diagnosed at the early stage.

However, some experts point out that the full effects of the preventive vaccine would not come out till 20 to 30 years later, even if they are widely applied right the way. Thus, they suggest patients should seek treatment as early as possible.

(Chinanew.com April 18, 2005)