Preventing Cervical Cancer
Q & A with Dr. Maria Smith
Cervical cancer begins with HPV, a group of diseases so common that an overwhelming majority of sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives. HPV can cause genital warts and, more importantly, the growth of abnormal cells that can lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis or anus. Roughly 20 million adult Americans currently live with HPV.
Q: Who is at risk for HPV?
People who become sexually active at a young age, those with multiple sexual partners or those whose partner has (or had) multiple partners.
Q: What is "low-risk" HPV?
These viruses cause external genital warts but rarely end up developing into cancer. Genital warts can show up a few weeks, months or even years after intercourse or oral sex with an infected partner.
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is the presence of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. A Pap smear and colposcopy are two of the procedures performed to monitor the cells and appearance of the cervix. |
Q: What is "high-risk" HPV?
These viruses can cause the abnormal cell growth that can develop into cancer--without causing visible growths or showing other symptoms.
Q: What forms of protection prevent HPV?
None. HPV spreads through contact with bodily fluids, mucous membranes and skin in the genital area (not just the genitals), so even a condom doesn't fully protect you, although condom use has been linked to lower rates of cervical cancer. The only surefire way to prevent HPV is to refrain from genital contact with another person. Remaining in a long-term, monogamous relationship can also help prevent exposure.
Q: What is Gardasil?
This vaccine, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, wards off the forms of HPV most likely to cause cervical cancer and genital warts. A three-dose course of Gardasil is recommended for girls before they become sexually active (the suggested age is 11 or 12, although girls as young as 9 or women up to age 26 can be vaccinated). Because Gardasil doesn't protect against all HPV viruses that can cause cancer, regular Pap tests are still recommended.
Q: What is the cure for HVP?
In short, there is no cure. However, if abnormalities are identified on the Pap test they can be addressed by freezing, cutting, burning or laser-vaporizing the warts or abnormal lesions. Topical drugs are sometimes used to treat genital warts.
This article was published in Vim & Vigor magazine, Fall 2010 edition.