To the Editor.—I read with some concern the article by Nancy Roach1 with accompanying forward to the CAP Strategic Science Symposium by Davey and Zarbo2 in the August 2003 issue of the Archives. In particular, her admonition that the sexually transmitted nature of human papillomavirus infection should be de-emphasized may be politically correct, but is scientifically, epidemiologically, and therapeutically irresponsible. Only by emphasizing the sexually transmitted nature of this virus and its potentially lethal progeny (invasive carcinoma of the cervix) can the medical profession prevent infection and/or prevent transmission. This approach requires that physicians advocate abstinence, monogamy, or the use of a barrier protection. By de-emphasizing the sexual nature of this disease, we will never win the battle against this insidious carcinogenic agent. I know of no responsible medical professional who thinks we should de-emphasize the dangers of smoking (an extremely effective method of transmitting the carcinogenic agents in tobacco)!

Roach
,
N.
Delivering human papillomavirus testing to the public: one patient advocate's perspective.
Arch Pathol Lab Med
2003
.
127
:
995
996
.
Davey
,
D. D.
and
R. J.
Zarbo
.
Introduction and commentary, Strategic Science Symposium: human papillomavirus testing—are you ready for a new era in cervical cancer screening?
Arch Pathol Lab Med
2003
.
127
:
927
929
.