The Italian Health Ministry announced on Wednesday that they will be offering free vaccinations for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes nearly 70 percent of cervical cancer in women and girls. Italy is the first European nation to make this offer available as soon as February of 2008.

Although the vaccination will not be mandatory, it will be highly encouraged and will be available to Italy's 12-year-old population totaling 280,000

The American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) has unveiled its new guidelines aimed at fighting the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is believed to be the primary cause of cervical cancer.

The AMWA is calling on all girls between the ages of 11 and 12 to receive an HPV vaccination, and is lobbying health insurance companies to cover the costs of such a treatment. The group is also asking insurance companies to pay for HPV screening in women over 30-years-old

A new study by doctors at the University of Minnesota and St. Louis University says that contrary to popular belief, duct tape is not an effective method for curing warts and its effectiveness for treatment of warts is overstated.

The study, which was published in the journal Archives of Dermatology, showed duct tape was no better than moleskin, a cotton-tape bandage used to protect the skin, for getting rid of warts. But it also added that the latest findings would probably not affect the use of duct tape, as many believe it's an effective remedy

New Mexico's Gov. Bill Richardson will reportedly sign a bill making it mandatory for all sixth-grade girls to be vaccinated against HPV, the sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer. The measure would take effect June 15 -- 90 days after the adjournment of the Legislature.

After an initial approval from the state House on Sunday, Gov. Bill Richardson said, "It's a public health issue, and I believe it's an important step. New Mexico has always been progressive on these issues. ... We've got to find ways for young women to be protected

The first comprehensive study of the sexually transmitted disease that can cause cervical cancer showed that one in four US women ages 14 to 59 are infected.

Preliminary estimates were not far off but the latest study conducted by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that about 44 percent of those women are between the ages 20 to 24. The study also showed that the number of young teens infected with the virus has declined