All India Congress of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 04–08 Jan 2009 · Birla Auditorium, Jaipur

Infection with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease afflicting approximately 80% of the population. This infection is an essential factor in cervical carcinogenesis and cervical carcinoma is considered the second most common cause of cancer among women worldwide. Guidelines recommend that screening for cervical cancer should be initiated approximately 3 years after initiation of sexual intercourse, and be continued at least until age 65 or 70 yrs. Annual screening is recommended but in developing countries like ours screening programs are not easily implemented due to costs involved.