Heatlh Bulletin

FDA approves HPV test as initial screen for cervical cancer

The U.S. Food and Drug Adminis-tration recently approved a human papillomavirus (HPV) test as a first step in cervical cancer screening for women aged 25 and older.
HPV, a sexually transmitted virus, is thought to cause the majority of cervical cancers. Certain strains, such as HPV 16 and 18, are most strongly tied to these tumors. The virus also causes genital warts in both men and women and certain head and neck cancers.
Women who test positive for the two high-risk HPV strains (16 and 18) would then be asked to undergo a colposcopy. This involves using a device that allows a doctor to get a clear view of the vulva, vagina and cervix and take a sample for further testing. Women who don't have HPV 16 or 18 but have other high-risk types of the virus would have a Pap test to see if a colposcopy is needed.

Exercise may curtail COPD complications

Exercise might help reduce the risk of hospital re-admission in people with a progressive lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society finds.
COPD refers to a group of diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause airflow blockage and breathing problems.