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How do you get cervical cancer? Does everyone with HPV get cervical cancer? How will I know if I have HPV? How common is cervical cancer? How is cervical cancer detected? Is cervical cancer considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD)? How can I prevent cervical cancer?
What is cervical cancer?Cervical cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix that can develop into tumours and spread throughout the body. The cervix is the narrow lower portion (or "neck") of the uterus.
How do you get cervical cancer?Long term infection with certain types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is now known to be the cause of almost all cervical cancers. Almost all abnormal Pap test results are caused by HPV. Anyone who has ever had sex can have HPV because it is commonly spread by sexual contact even though people may not be aware of any signs of symptoms at all. In rare cases, if the virus persists and is left undetected, it can lead to cervical cancer. This usually takes about 10 years. While HPV is very common, most women with HPV will not develop cervical cancer.
What is the HPV virus?Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus, with four out of five people having it at some stage of their lives. In some cases, it can increase a woman's risk of cervical cancer. However, most women with HPV do not develop cervical cancer. HPV is passed on through genital skin contact and is so common that it could be considered a normal part of being sexually active. After entering the body, HPV will behave in one of two ways: either remaining dormant (inside the body's cells), or becoming active. When active, warts can develop or it can affect cervical cells. It can take many years for the virus to become active and its presenve is usually short-lived. In most cases the body takes between 8 to 14 months to clear the virus naturally. Most people will have HPV at some time in their lives and never know it. You may become aware of HPV if you have an abnormal Pap test result, or if genital warts appear. Once you have been exposed to a particular type of HPV, you are unlikely to catch it again, as the body usually becomes immune to that type. There are about 100 different strains of HPV. Fortunately, the HPV vaccination protects against 2 of the main HPV types that cause 70-80% of cervical cancer.
Does everyone with HPV get cervical cancer?No. HPV is an extremely common virus that in most cases will remain undetected and clear up naturally. Some strains of HPV cause genital warts. However, HPV will typically remain dormant in the body without showing any symptoms. Regular Pap tests can detect the presence of HPV and any abnormalities in the cells fo the cervix which may then be treated before becoming cancerous.
How will I know if I have HPV?Approximately four out of five people will contract HPV at some point in their life. Most of these people will not know that they have contracted the virus and in the majority of cases it will clear up naturally. There are around 100 types of HPV. Soem of these can cause genital warts. However, the majority, including thsoe that most commonly lead to cervical cancer, do not carry any noticeable symptoms. The most effective way to detect HPV is through regular Pap tests, 2 yearly or as recommended by your doctor.
How common is cervical cancer?The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that in 2010, 658 Australian women were diagnosed with cervical cancer adn 241 women died. It ranks as the 15th most frequent cancer among women in Australia and the 5th most frequent between women from 15-44 years of age. About 5% of Pap tests are diagnosed as being abnormal. In 2009, 2,086,583 Pap tests were conducted and of these 112,000 were diagnosed as being abnormal of which 84,000 were low-grade abnormalities and 28,000 were high-grade abnormalities or cervical cancer. It is believed that over 300,000 women a year worldwide die of cervical cancer which means a woman dies every 2 minutes. In developing countries where vaccines and screening are usually not available, cervical cancer is one of the leading cancer killers of women.
How is cervical cancer detected?Cervical cancer does not usually carry any external symptorms, and so the best way to detect changes to the cervix cells is through regular two-yearly Pap tests. A Pap test is a simple test in which a small number of cervical cells are collected and tested for changes. It serves as ane arly warning against abnormal cells changes which have the potential to become cancerous. The current Australian guidelines are that women over 18 years old should have a Pap test every two years after becoming sexually active.
Is cervical cancer considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?No. Cervical cancer is not a sexually transmitted disease. Cervical cancer is caused by Human Papillomavirus which is contracted through sexual contact. How can I prevent cervical cancer?Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and curable of all cancers. Here are a number of ways it can be easily prevented: Vaccination Cervical cancer is now largely preventable thanks to the Human Papillomavirus vaccine. Research to develop the vaccine occurred in Brisbane by the 2006 Australian of the Year Dr Ian Frazer who is also ACCF's Scientific Advisor. In Australia, the National HPV Vaccination Program makes the Gardasil vaccine freely available to girls aged 12 to 13. Gardasil protects against two types of HPV which cause 70-80% of cervical cancer, as well as two types responsible for causing 90% of genital warts. Regular Pap Tests Pap tests are vital in the prevention of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is effective in guarding against approximately 70-80% of HPV strans, but not all. This means that although receiving the vaccination significantly reduces your chances of cevical cancer, regular Pap tests are still essential. Regular Pap tests (once every two years for sexually active women from the age of 18) can serve as an early warning about abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous. Not smoking Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Having fewer partners Practicing safe sexual behaviours and having fewer partners decreases the risk of developing cervical cancer. Further Frequently Asked Questions can be found at the National Cervical Cancer Screening Program website.
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