THOUSANDS of lives could be saved by a new vaccine, which cuts women's chances of contracting cervical cancer by combating the sexually transmitted virus which triggers most cases of the killer disease.
Cervarix, which could be available inside three years if trials prove successful, may also eventually spell the end for smear tests, which many women find unpleasant.
The vaccine works against the human papilloma virus which is passed on through sexual contact so injections would have to be given to girls before they become sexually active.
Drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline hope it will be available by 2007.
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