Major advances in the prevention of cervical cancer have been made this year. On average there are about 9710 new cases of cervical cancer in the United States each year and 3700 deaths attributed to it. The lethality of cervical cancer is even greater worldwide where it is the second most common cancer in women causing over 470000 new cases each year and 233000 deaths. The discrepancy is largely due to the decreased availability of affordable screening and treatment in many countries. The vaccine Gardasil manufactured by Merck Pharmaceuticals was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) using a priority review process early in June of this year. By the end of June the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) had issued recommendations that Gardasil be routinely given to girls when they are 11-12 years old. The ACIP recommendation also allows for the vaccination of girls beginning at 9 years at the discretion of the physician or healthcare provider. In addition the recommendation includes girls and women ages 13-26 years old because they will benefit from the protection although the best protection is achieved before the onset of sexual activity. (excerpt)