Serial women killer, at large

In Sri Lanka 1,250 women are diagnosed annually with cervical cancer and 625 women die of the disease. Cervical cancer is caused by a virus and is sexually transmitted infecting an Asian woman every four minutes. Women in their 40 to 60 age group have been recorded the peak risk group for cervical cancer.

Cervarix, a breakthrough vaccination against Cervical cancer was launched in Colombo at the Hilton, by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (GSK) following its registration with the Drugs Regulatory Authority. It is the first cancer vaccine made available in Sri Lanka where cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Kanishka Karunaratne, Consultant Gynaecological Oncoligical Surgeon at the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama, highlighted that ‘In Sri Lanka cervical cancer cases are presented late making treatment complicated and the cost is a burden to the State as well as the patients. I see at least two new cases a day. Besides cervical screening, we,now have another weapon against the disease.

Approved in 110 countries around the world, including USA, EU member countries, Australia, Brazil, South Korea and Taiwan, Cervarix, is used in immunization programs in the UK and the Netherlands.

It is also prequalified by the World Health Organisation for purchase for national immunization programs.

In Sri Lanka While Cervarix provides primary prevention. Secondary prevention through regular cervical screening must be continued’ he stressed.

‘Cervarix will be administered in three injections over a period of six months and is recommended to be given early as possible to girls at age ten upwards before puberty, to achieve best immune response.

It will be priced reasonably low in Sri Lanka below Rs. 6,000/- per dose’ announced Stuart Chapman, Managing Director, GSK, Sri Lanka.

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