HPV and Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer is nearly always caused by high- risk type 16 and 18 human papillomavirus (HPV).  Statistics state that 1 out 5 people that are sexually active will become infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) at some point in their life.

Cervical cancer is a slow growing cancer that forms in the tissues of the cervix, which is the organ that connects the uterus and vagina. Because the cancer is slow growing it can take up to 5 years before any symptoms are noticeable and this can be life threatening. Information on HPV and cervical cancer can be found in any health care provider’s office and at your local family planning office.

Sexually active women that have more than one partner should see their health care provider once a year for a (Pap test) this is an important way to guard against HPV and cervical cancer. Pap test can determine if there are any cell changes in the cervix, if so further test may be necessary.  Over 10,000 women die from HPV cervical cancer in the U.S. each year.

Cervical cancer in the past was thought to be more prevalent in younger women, not so states Dutch researchers. The Dutch report stated that the number of women becoming infected with HPV and cervical cancer ages 44 to 54 were just about the same as those 30 to44.

There is now a vaccine on the market that guard’s against HPV and cervical cancer.  Gardasil is available to young women from 9 to 26. The idea is to vaccinate the young women before they become sexually active. The vaccine guards against 4 types of HPV, two types of which cause 70% of HPV cervical cancer.

Using condoms helps to protect you against HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are not 100% safe they do not cover the entire genital or anal area and the condoms may have a minute hole in them.

Sexual partners can become infected with the human papillomavirus, through skin to skin contact with an infected area of the body.