Cancer Vaccines take a step forward!

Cancer vaccines stimulate your immune system.
They help your immune system recognize and fight
viruses linked to cancer, or fight cancer cells
directly. There are two types of cancer vaccines,
"preventative" vaccines and "treatment" vaccines.
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Preventative vaccines help your body stop
infections that are known to cause cancer. For
example, there are vaccines that prevent cervical
cancer in women. They work by stopping the
spread of certain forms of the human
papillomavirus (commonly called HPV). In girls and
women, this virus can cause changes in the cells of
the cervix. Healthy cells become cancer cells. The
immune system of a vaccinated person can destroy
the virus before it causes an infection. This protects
the cells of the cervix.

Treatment vaccines help fight cancer that already
exists in your body. They help your immune system
recognize the cancer cells. Your immune system
then attacks the cancer. Researchers are working
to develop vaccines for a wide range of cancers.
Many treatment vaccines are going through clinical
trials.

Cancer vaccines are a promising step in the fight
against cancer. This new approach to cancer
treatment may help prevent or destroy many
common cancers in the future. Ask your doctor if a
cancer vaccine could play a role in your care.