SINGAPORE: The world's first cervical cancer vaccine has been approved for use in Singapore.

Clinical trials have shown that the vaccine prevents the most common types of cervical cancer and is almost completely effective against most common genital warts.

The vaccine, called Gardasil, has so far been approved for use on girls and women aged between 9 and 26 years.

"I chose to be vaccinated because I think it's not everyday that help is so readily available to you for such a preventable cancer, so I think if help is available you should step forward and be proactive about taking care of your health," says 20-year-old Nicole Van Cuylenburg, who is the first person to have the vaccination in Singapore.

"If you compare the cost of the vaccination to the cost of actual cancer treatments, it pales in comparison, and I don't think you can put a price tag on your own life," she says.

Although Nicole is not paying for the treatment, she says she would be happy to pay the full amount of between S$600 and S$700 for the vaccination.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in women worldwide. In Singapore, about 85 women die from cervical cancer each year.

The vaccine, which works by building immunity against the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), has been found to be effective in preventing almost three-quarters of all cervical cancers.

It is the first and only vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer, cervical and vulvar precancers, genital warts and infection caused by the HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18.

"Gardasil is a major health breakthrough for women’s fight against cervical cancer – for the first time, we have a vaccine specifically designed to prevent cancer," says Professor Tay Eng Hseon, Principal Investigator of the FUTURE II trial (Singapore).

Professor Tay, who is the Chairman of Medical Board and Senior Consultant Gynaecologist at KK Women's and Children's Hospital in Singapore, says the vaccine is safe to use, with minor side effects such as swelling, itchiness and fever but none that is not common with other vaccinations.

He is urging Singaporeans to become more aware of how to prevent cervical cancer, now that the vaccine is readily available.

But the cost could prevent many women and girls getting vaccinated, especially in developing countries.

Makers of Gardasil, Merck, Sharp & Dohme and rivals GlaxoSmithKline, whose own cervical cancer vaccine is scheduled to be out next year, have both said they would reduce the cost substantially but stop short of promising a not-for-profit price.

Until further clinical tests are done, women are advised not to get vaccinated during pregnancy. However it has been proven to be safe for those on the contraceptive pill and still effective for women who are already sexually active.

As for women aged above 26 years, Professor Tay believes it won't be long before they too can seek vaccination, saying "trials are underway, testing this vaccine on women above 26…I expect the results to be good too and I think in a few years' time, ladies above 26 will have access to this vaccine as well."

Patients in Singapore can get the vaccine from obstetrical and gynaecological clinics, private GPs, the KK Women's and Children's Hospital and children's clinics. - CNA/yy