The most common cause of cervical cancer is HPV. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of 99.7% of all cervical cancers. It is also a major cause of anal cancer, vulvar/vaginal cancers, penile cancers, oral and throat cancers, and both skin and genital warts.
HPV or Human Papillomavirus
There are approximately 15 high-risk HPV types that lead to cancers. Types 16 and 18 accounts for 70% of all cervical cancers and 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 accounts for 19%.
Cervical cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in Indian woman. India constitute 25% out of the total cervical cancer deaths occurs in the world.
There are also low-risk types that cause skin warts such as plantar warts and 2 low-risk HPV types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts. These low-risk types don’t lead to cancers.
How is Human Papillomavirus (HPV) transmitted?
Skin to skin or genital to genital contact.
Sex ( vaginal, anal, and oral) is the most common transmission of high-risk HPV.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world.
How common is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
It is estimated that 80% or more of people around the world will be infected with HPV at some point.
What happens when someone is infected with Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
1. HPV infections are usually transient and resolve spontaneously within 12 months and are never be detectable. Most resolve some persist and some can persist but remain dormant or inactive and possibly reactive later.
2. About 20% will persist beyond first year and may slowly lead to precancerous changes of the cervix which is detected by pap smear screening. Many of these abnormalities will still spontaneously resolve on their own over time. A smaller percent will progress.
3. It takes approximately 15 years for an HPV infection to develop into a cervical cancer.
What can I do to prevent a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection?
🔹️Get your HPV vaccine, it is a vaccine that actually prevents cancer.
🔹️Safe sex practice
🔹️Do not smoke
🔹️Stay healthy with a strong immune system.
How do I get rid of a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection?
🔹️Your immune system will clear it.
🔹️If it persists into more significant precancerous changes of the cervix, your doctor may discuss the procedure to excise that portion of the cervix.
Remember to get your pap and do your follow-up. The point of a pap smear is to catch cervical abnormalities early and prevent cervical cancer.
If you have any questions do drop them in the comments section.
This post is written for the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge. My theme is let’s debunk Common myths around women’s health.
Disclosure: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. DISCLAIMER: The content in this post is purely meant for educational purpose only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice. One should consult their healthcare provider for any health-related information.
information on pap is real helpful