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UA study seeks to prevent cervical cancer

The Arizona Cancer Center is conducting a study that could prevent women from contracting the sexually transmitted Human Papillomavirus.

Anna Giuliano, assistant professor with the center, said HPV - a genital-wart causing disease - is the most common STD in the world.

"We've had an overwhelming response to the study - it's a very critical study that every woman should know about," said Sandy Masayesva, a research specialist for the Arizona Cancer Center. "Especially women who are sexually active."

There is no complete prevention from HPV. The only way women can protect themselves from getting it is by having yearly pap smears, Giuliano said.

Men and women can both get HPV, but women are prone to having more problems with the disease. Although AIDS, chlamydia and gonorrhea are more well-known afflictions, HPV affects more people, Masayesva said.

The center has already recruited 40 participants for the study this month, but is still looking for women between the ages of 18 and 23. The participants are going to be vaccinated every six months.

"We're hoping to get freshmen and sophomores, ones that are sticking around for the next three years," Giuliano said.

She added most of the women taking part in the study are UA students.

There are two main types of genital tract infections, low-risk and high-risk. She said this particular kind of HPV is labeled as high-risk because it causes dysplasia. Dysplasia are pre-cancerous changes which can progress into cervical cancer.

"The vaccine is totally safe," Giuliano said. "There is no risk of infection."

The study participants all get free routine gynecological exams, including the pap smears.

"People are well-compensated for their time," she said.

Giuliano, who is also an assistant professor at the Arizona Prevention Center, is enthusiastic about the potential the study has to come up with a vaccine to prevent the sexually transmitted disease

"That's what's really, really cool about this," she said.

Masayesva, who is coordinating the study, said they are trying to do more community outreach about the STD, especially in trade schools and health centers.

"We're hoping with this study and talking to health classes, we'll be able to get women's attention," she said.

There is no HPV test available to the public because it is still being reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration. If the test gets FDA approval, many women may not take it because it will be expensive, Masayesva said.

"But there's definitely progress," she said.