National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October receives significantly more recognition than the campaigns against prostate cancer and gynecologic cancer in September, according to a Reporter News report.
Despite a lower prevalence of gynecologic cancer — around 83,000 new cases each year compared to breast cancer's 232,000 — the cancer still kills tens of thousands of American women each year, according to the report. Gynecologic oncologists often struggle for recognition, even for issues that physicians see as "open-and-shut," such as vaccinating young women for sexually transmitted HPV.
The Republican presidential race has drawn attention to the push for HPV vaccines, though not necessarily in the way physicians would have hoped. In September's Republican debates, candidate Michele Bachmann criticized Texas Gov. Rick Perry for his 2007 mandate that required school-age girls to receive HPV vaccinations. Ms. Bachmann alluded that the vaccine carries developmental risks.
Physicians say that link now exists in the public consciousness and could hurt fundraising efforts for gynecologic cancer or campaigns to promote HPV vaccination. Physicians say "lingering societal squeamishness" could be one of the main reasons gynecologic and prostate cancer see little publicity.
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Despite a lower prevalence of gynecologic cancer — around 83,000 new cases each year compared to breast cancer's 232,000 — the cancer still kills tens of thousands of American women each year, according to the report. Gynecologic oncologists often struggle for recognition, even for issues that physicians see as "open-and-shut," such as vaccinating young women for sexually transmitted HPV.
The Republican presidential race has drawn attention to the push for HPV vaccines, though not necessarily in the way physicians would have hoped. In September's Republican debates, candidate Michele Bachmann criticized Texas Gov. Rick Perry for his 2007 mandate that required school-age girls to receive HPV vaccinations. Ms. Bachmann alluded that the vaccine carries developmental risks.
Physicians say that link now exists in the public consciousness and could hurt fundraising efforts for gynecologic cancer or campaigns to promote HPV vaccination. Physicians say "lingering societal squeamishness" could be one of the main reasons gynecologic and prostate cancer see little publicity.
Related Articles on ASC Specialties:
Dr. Michael Humphrey Discusses Draw, Downsides of Anesthesiology
Physicians Clash Over Whether Oral Surgeons Should Perform Cosmetic Procedures
10 Steps to Improve Quality and Efficiency in Cataract Surgery