Learn More About HPV and Cervical Cancer

ABOUT:

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes.  There are about 100 types of HPV – 30 are spread through genital contact, 12 are “low risk” and cause genital warts, and 15 are “high risk” that can casue cervical cancer.  It is estimated that 80% of all women will get one or more types of “genital” HPV at some point in their lives.  Fortunately, in most people, the body’s immune system fights off or suppresses the HPV virus before it causes problems.  It is only when the infection persists that it can cause cells to become abnormal.

HPV vaccines are for girls and young women ages 9-26 to help protect again the two types of HPV that are most commonly associated with cervical cancer.  There are two ways to protect yourself against cervical cancer:

The PAP Test:  looks at a sample of cells taken from a woman’s cervix for any cell changes or abnormalities.  Pap testing should begin at age 21.

The HPV Test:  is conducted from the sample sample as the Pap and identifies women with high-risk HPV infections that can cause cervical cancer.  When used with a Pap in women 30 and older, the HPV test increases the ability to identify who is at risk of developing cervical cancer.
• If you are age 30 or older, ask your doctor for the digene HPV Test together with your Pap test.

• If both tests come back normal, then the tests don’t need to be repeated for 3 years. But remember to return each

year for your annual health exam.

• If one or both tests come back abnormal, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. It simply enables

your healthcare provider to monitor you more closely or treat pre-cancerous cells before cervical cancer develops.

• HPV testing isn’t necessary for women younger than 30, because HPV infections in young women usually go away on their own without causing problems. Women under 30 will only have HPV testing if their Pap test is inconclusive

MY THOUGHTS:

So I honestly don’t know much about HPV and I know that is awful.  I do go yearly to the gynecologist for checkups but I now know that I should speak up and ask my doctor for the digene HPV test pretty soon (since I am under 30 I only have to have HPV testing if my Pap Test is inconclusive.)  I also agree with the HPV website when it says that young women know more about HPV than older women as until recently I had never even heard of the HPV vaccine and when I did hear about it, I think it was a TV commercial.

I have three sisters all younger than me and even though I am not their mother, I am definitely bringing this up to them and making sure that they are aware of HPV.  I think women should be as educated as possible about their bodies and prevention and when it comes to the “C” word (Cancer) any way to prevent it is worth it, especially something as simple as an HPV test or vaccine.

VISIT IT: You can visit the HPV Test website to learn more about HPV testing and prevention.  There are tons of great resources, including information about the test, getting the test (including insurance questions), and stories from other women.

Mama’s Money Savers Disclosure:  I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of the QIAGEN digene HPV test. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.