How is HPV associated to cervical cancer?
For many women, cervical cancer occurs as a result of exposure to various strains of the human papillomavirus or HPV, which is a sexually transmitted disease. There are more than 100 different strains of HPV and more than 30 of those can be passed to a sexual partner. At least 50% of people who have had intercourse will have HPV at some time in their lives.
About 20 million people in the U.S. have a HPV infection, and about 10-15 million have high-risk types that are associated with cervical cancer.
What is HPV?
HPV is a virus and most of the time, it doesn’t cause any real problems because a woman’s immune system can fight off the disease. In some cases, the HPV remains dormant in the system for years before it converts cells on the cervix surface into cancer. That is why it is important to have a regular PAP smear exam.
What can be done to help prevent cervical cancer?
More than 3700 American women die annually from cervical cancer. Thanks to a recently approved vaccine, young women have a weapon in the battle against cervical cancer.
This vaccine protects women against the four most common strains of HPV, which reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer. The vaccine is given as three injections over a 6-month period and is recommended for all women ages 9 to 26. This vaccine is shown to protect against 4 types of HPV, which cause 70% of cervical cancer.
It is also important to have a yearly pap smear and gynecological exam.
For more information on receiving the HPV vaccine, please talk with your doctor.
To learn more about HPV, visit our A to Z Health Library.
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