corrente

Well, look no further, because we here at corrente are dedicated to not only keeping you informed as to the most egregious horrors of day-to-day life, but also to bringing you the most joyous tidings, as well. Like this:

"Thousands of lives could be saved by a new vaccine that could virtually wipe out cervical cancer when it becomes available next year, it has been reported.
Doctors believe the drug could even end the need for regular smear tests.
The drug, administered with three injections for young girls before they become sexually active, would boost the immune system against the human papiloma virus."

HPV is believed to be the most common factor in developing cervical cancer. Over half a million cases of the cancer are diagnosed each year. Last year it was estimated that over 10,500 women in the the U.S. contracted the disease, despite pap smears and other preventive measures. Of those, almost 4000 were estimated to have died. And it hits African-American women much harder--the death rate is 6.7 per 100,000 for black women, compared to 2.5 per 100,000 for white women.

Pap smears are regular centerpieces in the lives of most women, a yearly requirment growing out of a low-level fear that never goes away. The possiblity of virtually eliminating this fear is well worth celebrating.