A recent study has confirmed that the latest preventive vaccine for cervical cancer, Ceravix, protects against the human papilloma virus, solely responsible for causing about 80% of cancers.

As a part of the Government's drive to curb the number of women developing cancer across the nation, all 12 and 13 year old girls are currently being offered Cervarix, and statistics have revealed that about 8 out of every 10 young girls are readily taking up the offer.

The study to review the effects of the vaccine was conducted in Mexico, by Dr. Cosette Wheeler, University of New Mexico NM, USA, and colleagues from GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Cervarix, and compared the number of vaccinated girls who were later infected with strains 16 and 18 of the malicious virus with those who stayed safe.

The amazing medicine ended up protecting all 100% of the girls for at least 6-and-a-half years, and this was as long as the girls have been followed so far.

"Although further assessment is necessary to confirm long-term vaccine effects, in view of the data from our study, we expect protection to continue for many more years", Dr. Wheeler said.

The cancer causing virus spreads via intimate contact, and girls have to be vaccinated before they are sexually active to make the most of the medicine. The study has been published in The Lancet.