o prevalence of HPV infection
was 76% in cervical cancer patients and 7% among healthy Iranian women. Of the HPV types isolated, HPV
16 (54%), 18 (14%), and 31 (6%) were the most commonly detected in Iranian cervical cancer patients.
Conclusions. An organized prevention program is needed to fight against cervical cancer in Iran and other
low incidence countries. We suggest a screening program starting after age 30 and with at least three screenings
tests over each woman's lifetime. With a reservation on cost-effectiveness issue, available HPV vaccine
will prevent HPV infection and cervical cancer in Iran.