The Facts About Cervical Cancer

What is cervical cancer and HPV cervical cancer?

The Human Papillomavirus is a member of a common group of viruses that is known to cause most cervical cancers, along with other problems affecting women. HPV also causes cancers centering on the vagina, anus, vulva, and the head and neck. HVP infects people through sexual intercourse and sexual contact. Most women will be exposed to HPV sometime during their lives.

Viruses 16 and 18 are most common cancer-causing types. Just these two types will cause some 70% of all cervical cancer. The cervical cancer vaccine protects against these two types 100% of the time.

Women and men become infected with HPV types that cause cervical cancer through sexual intercourse and sexual contact. Most women and men will be exposed to HPV during their lifetime.

An HPV infection usually doesn't lead to cervical cancer. In some women however, an HPV infection may remain and cause changes to occur in the body's cells. If the new, abnormal cells are not treated, they have a chance of becoming cancerous.

Is cervical cancer hereditary? What are the causes of Cervical Cancer?

HPV is the cause most cervical cancers, so any woman who is sexually active is at risk of cervical cancer. The women at highest risk are those in whom infection with one of the high-risk types persists for years. Also those who smoke may have multiple sexual partners or are infected by HIV.

Risks of cervical cancer occurs most often in minorities or in women who live in rural areas, those without access to health care.

The types of Cervical Cancer

There are many different names that cervical cancer and cervical tumors will go under: vaginal cancer, abnormal pap smear, cancer of the uterus, uterine cancer, and others.

Cervical cancer awareness and treatment for cervical cancer depends on learning as much cervical cancer information as possible. The best way to spread the word about cervical cancer is to spread information about the many aspects of HPV and cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer tests and cervical cancer screening are important to making certain that cervical cancer is caught early enough for treatment.

Can condoms prevent HPV?

The most recent studies show that condoms will help somewhat. They cannot offer complete protection, as condoms do not cover all areas. It also is not helpful to use condoms occasionally, to offer complete protection they need to be used at every sexual encounter.

Condoms do reduce the risk of HIV and other STDs when used correctly and for each encounter.

What is the test for HPV?

The HPV test can detect high-risk types that cause changes in cervical cells. This test can't tell you the exact type of high-risk HPV, so women 30 and older can have both the Pap test and the HPV test for cervical cancer screening.

Can HPV be treated?

Currently, there is no treatment for the virus. There are treatments for the cervical changes that HPV can cause. You should consult your doctor as to which treatments might be right for you.

What is a Pap Test? What's the difference between a Pap test and an HPV test?

Doctors use the Pap test to see if there are cell changes in the cervix. The Pap test is a good way to find cancer cells and cells that might become cancerous in the future. The Pap test can be performed as a normal part of a routine pelvic exam.

The HPV test checks directly for high-risk viruses. Both the Pap and HPV tests use a small, soft brush to collect cervical cells. The cells are sent to a lab where they are examined under a microscope.

What are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer usually has no signs or symptoms. That's why it's important to get Pap tests regularly. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away.

• Unusual discharge from the vagina
• Blood spots or light bleeding when not having your period
• Bleeding/pain during sex

If you have these symptoms, it doesn't mean you have cervical cancer. These symptoms can appear for other reasons. Check with your doctor to find out what's causing the symptoms. Finding the cancer early means a better chance of successful treatment.

Is cervical cancer curable?

Cervical cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, please discuss treatment with your doctor to decide the best way to treat your cancer.

Discuss the situation and risk factors for HPV infection with your doctor. No matter what you decide about the Pap and HPV tests, you should continue to have regularly scheduled pelvic exams.