Here’s the HPV: Prevention, Vaccines, and Treatment.
Female sexual and reproductive health includes awareness and prevention of diseases. One example of this is Human Papillomavirus or HPV, which is a common sexually transmitted infection with significant links to cervical cancer and other genital cancers. Many of us in the UK will have had an HPV jab when we were about 13-14 years old, but there are still plenty of people effected by the disease every year. Knowing why we get the jab and what its helping prevent is super important. United Kingdom has a population of 28.3 million women aged 15 years and older who are at risk of developing this cervical cancer, and in the US About 13 million Americans, including teens, become infected each year. Here's what you need to know about HPV, its connection to cervical cancer, the critical role of vaccination, and current treatment options.
What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, with more than 40 types transmitted through direct sexual contact. Among these, several are known to cause cervical cancer and other genital cancers, as well as oropharyngeal cancer. HPV is highly common, with most sexually active individuals contracting it at some point in their lives, often without symptoms.
HPV and Cervical Cancer
Link to Cervical Cancer: Certain high-risk types of HPV (notably HPV 16 and 18) are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases. They can cause cervical cells to become cancerous.
Progression: The progression from initial HPV infection to cervical cancer is typically slow, occurring over several years. Regular screening can identify cervical changes early before they turn into cancer.
Importance of HPV Vaccination
Prevention is Key: The HPV vaccine effectively prevents the transmission of the most harmful HPV types. The vaccine is recommended for all preteens (boys and girls) at age 11 or 12, but it can be given as early as age 9 and up until 26. Catch-up vaccines are also recommended for those who missed the initial vaccination window.
Broad Protection: Vaccination protects against diseases caused by HPV, including cervical cancer, some other genital cancers, and oropharyngeal cancer.
Community Immunity: Widespread vaccination can reduce the prevalence of HPV and related cancers in the population.
Screening and Early Detection
Pap Smears: Regular Pap tests (or Pap smears) are crucial for women as they can detect precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. It's often recommended to start Pap tests at age 21 and repeat them every three years, but guidelines can vary.
HPV Testing: Sometimes done in conjunction with a Pap test, HPV testing can identify the presence of high-risk HPV types on the cervix.
Treatment Options
For HPV: There's currently no treatment for the virus itself, but many HPV infections go away on their own without causing any health problems.
For Abnormal Cells: Treatments are available for the abnormal cell changes in the cervix that can result from an HPV infection. These can range from watchful waiting to see if the cells resolve themselves, to procedures to remove the affected tissue.
For Cervical Cancer: If cervical cancer is diagnosed, treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage and severity.
Understanding HPV and its link to cervical cancer is crucial for preventive health care. Vaccination, regular screening, and safe sexual practices are key strategies in the prevention and early detection of HPV-related diseases. If you have concerns about HPV or cervical cancer, talk to your healthcare provider for the most appropriate advice and interventions based on your health history and risk factors. Staying informed and proactive can lead to better health outcomes and a lower risk of complications associated with HPV.
