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Gardasil Approved to Prevent Anal Cancer in Men |
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Written by Jonathan Higbee |
Friday, 07 January 2011
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| Tags: health, gardasil, studies, FDA, HIV, NMAC |
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Gardasil, which is now widely used to prevent infection of certain forms of HPV (the virus that causes warts) and decrease woman's risk of cervical cancer, has been approved by the FDA to now help fight anal cancer in men.
The National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) has applauded the FDA approval for the expected impact it will have on the health of men who have sex with men and those living with HIV as both groups experience anal cancer (which is usually rare) at disproportionately higher rates.
“The FDA’s decision to approve Gardasil for the prevention of anal cancer is a promising step for public health, particularly for the HIV community,” said Paul Kawata, executive director of NMAC. “Anal cancer disproportionately affects men who have sex with men, and people living with HIV. The use of this vaccine could have a significant impact on both comorbidities and potential treatment costs within these populations.”
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