HPV
-Human papillomavirus
What is HPV?
HPV is a common virus. There are 40 types of it that are sexually transmitted.
- A few types of HPV can persist and cause cervical cancer.
- There is a vaccine to prevent two of the types that cause 70 percent of the cases of cervical cancer.
- Regular Pap tests are important — even for women who have been vaccinated. They detect dangerous cell changes before cancer develops.
HPV stands for human papilloma virus. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Some types produce warts — plantar warts on the feet and common hand warts. Some affect the genital sex organs.
- Some types may cause genital warts. These are called low-risk types.
- Some types may cause cell changes that sometimes lead to cervical and certain other cancers. These are called high-risk types. They do not usually have visible symptoms.
- Most types seem to have no harmful effect at all.
Does HPV cause cervical cancer?
Yes, high-risk types of genital HPV are linked to cervical cancer. Most HPV infections go away by themselves and don't cause cancer. But high-risk HPV that does not go away over many years increases the risk of cervical cancer. Abnormal cells can develop when high-risk types of HPV don't go away. If these cell changes are not detected and treated and persist for many years, they can lead to cervical cancer.
How can I reduce my risk of genital HPV infections, including those that cause cervical cancer?
- practice abstinence
- have only one partner who has no other intimate partners
- have sex play that does not include vaginal or anal intercourse
- use condoms every time
- get the HPV vaccine
How can I protect myself against cervical cancer?
You can protect yourself by having regular Pap tests. HPV testing, in certain situations, is also a way to protect yourself. Read below to find out more about when HPV testing is a good plan.
Regular Pap tests can help find very early precancerous conditions, which are easily treated to prevent cancer from developing. Most sexually active women should have a Pap test every year. Some may need them more frequently. Women over 30 who have had three or more normal Pap test results in a row, or one normal Pap test and a negative HPV test may not need to be tested as frequently. Talk with your clinician about how often you should have Pap tests.
Doesn't a Pap detect HPV?
A Pap test does not detect HPV itself. A laboratory technician uses a microscope to look at a sample of cervical cells for signs of abnormal changes that may be caused by HPV.
| abnormal cell changes | A lab professional looks at a sample of cervical cells through a microscope. |
| the virus that causes the abnormal cell changes | A computerized system evaluates a sample of cervical cells for HPV. |
Gardasil, given in a series of three shots, protects against four strains of HPV. Two of those strains cause 70 percent of the nation's cervical cancer cases, and two of them cause 90 percent of genital warts. This new vaccine, widely given, has the potential to make cervical cancer almost obsolete here.
Who should recieve the Gardasil vaccination?
The HPV vaccine is recommended for 11-12 year-old girls, and can be given to girls as young as 9. The vaccine is also recommended for 13-26 year-old girls/women who have not yet received or completed the vaccine series.
How long does vaccine protection last?
Will a booster shot be needed?
The length of vaccine protection (immunity) is usually not known when a vaccine is first introduced. So far, studies have followed women for five years and found that women are still protected. More research is being done to find out how long protection will last, and if a booster vaccine is needed years later.
What is the cost of the vaccine?
The retail price of the vaccine is $120 per dose ($360 for full series).
The HPV vaccine is given through a series of three shots over a 6-month period. The second and third doses should be given 2 and 6 months (respectively) after the first dose.
Resources:
Many other resources are also available on the Web:
American Cancer Society
American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology
National Cervical Cancer Coalition
www.plannedparenthood.org
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