Sometimes it's easy to forget how common many diseases were before vaccines for them were introduced. When the disease is not around, people may not notice as much.

Most, if not all, cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are 40 different types of this virus. HPV types linked to cervical cancer may be different in women of different races.

One of the only vaccines that is known to prevent some forms of cancer is the HPV vaccine. Those who might worry about its safety have no reason to fear.

Cervical cancer isn’t all that common in this country anymore. Virtually all of the cases that do develop arise because of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Two vaccines are available to attack the major cancer-causing strains of this virus. But not all young women get vaccinated.

Health officials celebrated when a safe and effective vaccine to protect against HPV (human papillomavirus) was made available to the public.  But a vaccine can't protect the public if it isn't being used.

Medical advances have changed the future of today's patients with HIV. Most children with HIV grow into adults these days. But that presents challenges, too.

Only one vaccine currently protects against an infection that can directly cause cancer — the HPV vaccine. Good news about that vaccine is that research is showing that it's working very well.

Imagine a world where HIV/AIDS is no longer a major health concern – and not because of a cure for the disease but due to  prevention of the disease before it even strikes. That is the dream for many researchers and health workers focused on fighting HIV.

More than a quarter of a million women around the world die of cervical cancer every year. In this country, because of the Pap test, cervical cancer is much rarer.

The only vaccine that can prevent a type of cancer is the HPV vaccine. But it requires three rounds of shots. Wouldn't it be nice to make it just two shots?