science museum

Cancer vaccines

Researchers have shown that women with cervical cancer have all been infected with the human papilloma virus, which causes genital warts. So scientists are working on the development of a vaccine against this virus, which could later be used to protect all women against cervical cancer. This may be especially important in parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America where cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths and where screening programmes are not available to most women.

Cervical cancer is linked to infection with human papilloma virus.
Cervical cancer is linked to infection with human papilloma virus.
Wellcome Photo Library

Science Museum Home Page Who am I? Science Museum Home Page