HPV and Cervical Cancer

HPV, Cervical Cancer, and the HPV Vaccine

What is HPV?

The human papilloma virus, also known as HPV, is one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses. It is estimated that at least 50% of all sexually active individuals will get HPV at some time in their lives. It is most common in young adults in their late teens or early 20's. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are 6.2 million new HPV cases found each year, and 20 million Americans are currently infected.

There are over 100 strains of HPV and more than 30 strains are spread through sexual contact. Strains are classified as being either low-risk or high-risk.

• Low-risk strains can cause genital warts which appear on the vulva, cervix, anus, and inside the vagina in women, and on the penis, scrotum, and anus in men.
  
• High-risk strains can cause abnormal Pap smears in women and lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis.
  

Most people who get HPV will not have symptoms, but they are still contagious and can spread the virus to others. While there is no cure for HPV, most of the time the virus will clear up on its own. Treatment is provided for genital warts and for the changes of the cervix caused by the infection.

Detection of HPV

All strains of HPV can cause abnormalities in the cells of the cervix, which can be detected by a Pap test. The Pap test (also known as a Pap smear) collects a sample of cervical cells that are sent to a laboratory to find any changes of the cervix. To determine whether the cervical changes were caused by HPV, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved an HPV test. This is given as a follow-up procedure to an abnormal Pap test result. The HPV test can detect 13 high-risk HPV strains that are associated with cervical cancer. There are currently no HPV tests developed for detection in men.

The Link with Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a growth of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix, a cone-shaped opening that links the vaginal canal to the uterus. Some strains of HPV can cause abnormalities in cervical cells that persist and continue to change over time. These can develop into cancer if they are left untreated.

The Vaccine

In June 2006, the FDA approved a HPV vaccine called Gardasil. Gardasil, protects against four strains of HPV-types 6, 11, 16, and 18. HPV Types 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of all cervical cancer while Types 6 and 11 are associated with 90% of genital warts cases. The vaccine consists of 3 injections over a 6-month period and costs about $120 per injection. However, some insurance companies and schools are covering the costs for individuals who receive the vaccine.

The FDA has approved vaccination for girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26. It has been suggested that women receive the vaccine before they become sexually active. It is not recommended for pregnant women.

Studies have found the vaccine to be almost 100% effective in preventing diseases caused by the four HPV Types it targets. It is less effective in young women who had already been exposed to one of the four HPV Types and does not treat existing HPV infections, genital warts, precancers, or cancers.

What YOU Can Do

The HPV vaccine does NOT protect you from every strain of the virus and does NOT completely prevent you from developing cervical cancer. Continued regular Pap smears are strongly recommended.

Preventing HPV

There are other ways to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HPV.

• Refrain from genital contact with another person.
  
• Limit your sexual partners.
  
• Consistent safe sex practices (condom use).
  

Preventing Cervical Cancer

You can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.

• HPV vaccination.
  
• Yearly Pap test and pelvic exam (starting at age 21 or three years after becoming sexually active-whichever comes first).
  
• Protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases.
  
• Not smoking.
  
• Limit alcohol consumption.
  

For more information and answers to specific questions contact the Rhode Island Cancer Council at Tel@ricancercouncil.org or call us at (401) 728-4800 or toll free 866-879-4100.

IT IS EASIER TO PREVENT CANCER THAN TO TREAT IT.

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