Persistent infection from high-risk HPV types is necessary for the development of cervical cancer and a main cause for a significant proportion of cancers in other sites of the female anogenital tract such as the vulva, the vagina, and the anus. Most HPV infections are transient without clinical significance. However, in a minority of women, HPV will persist and will initiate the neoplastic process. HPV-related cancers are preceded by a potentially detectable and treatable premalignant stage. The focus of preventive efforts has mainly been on the detection of these premalignant stages using exfoliative cytology as a screening test. However, in recent years, the accuracy of this test has been questioned. Progress in the elucidation of the mechanisms of carcinogenesis has led to the development of exciting technologies that can be used for cancer prevention. The main challenge we face now is to find the proper way to use all these discoveries for the benefit of women's health.

This special issue aims at presenting studies whose findings may improve the prevention of HPV-related genital tract lesions. Original research on secondary prevention through screening with cytology, HPV testing, or the newer molecular markers, as well as studies on primary prevention with the HPV vaccine, will be the main focus. Reviews that summarize the results of relevant clinical trials are welcomed. Research on important issues surrounding the natural history of the virus such as the identification of immunological and genetic factors that influence the neoplastic process, whether infection can become latent, transmission dynamics, whose findings can have an impact on prevention, will be of great interest. Prospective topics include, but are not limited to:

• Methods to improve cervical cytology screening
• Molecular markers in the prevention of HPV-related cancer
• HPV testing applications
• Screening for cancer of the vulva and anus
• Preventing HPV transmission
• Cofactors in HPV-related carcinogenesis
• HPV vaccine: efficacy, safety, and implementation
• Screening of vaccinated women
• Relevant reviews

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/idog/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: