More than one-third of Canadian women believe that the human papillomavirus vaccine prevents ovarian cancer, according to a new survey by Ovarian Cancer Canada. Also, twenty-five percent believe that routine Pap smears can detect ovarian cancer. The HPV vaccine can prevent some HPV strains from causing infections that can lead to cervical cancer, and the Pap smear can detect early signs of cervical change.Barbara Vanderhydren, of the University of Ottawa, says that she is concerned that many young women will believe that gynecological exams are not necessary if they have been vaccinated.
Let's hope that as this new vaccine takes off, physicians take the time to educate patients on what it can and can't protect against.
