Most cervical cancers in women are linked to the sexually transmitted disease: infection with the genital human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is also linked to anal cancer in men who have had more sex with men than the general population.

Following trials to prove that it prevents the disease, the world's first cervical cancer vaccine, called Gardasil, is expected to go on sale in New Zealand in October for females aged 9 to 24. In the near future, men may also be offered injections of the cervical cancer vaccine to protect themselves from other diseases and prevent them from infecting their sexual partners.

The company which will supply Gardasil in New Zealand, CSL, says the vaccine development and clinical trials focused first on women due to the greater burden from cervical cancer than HPV-linked cancers in men.

Large trials were under way with men and the results were expected within three years, product manager Joanna Hayward-Slattery said.

Earlier trials showed the vaccine increased antibody levels against its four target HPV types - two linked to cancer and two to genital warts - in both men and women.

According to CSL, the vaccine is most useful if given before any sexual activity begins - prior to exposure to HPV - but it may be useful later too.

Source: The New Zealand HeraldPhoto Credit: [Physician's Research Network]