Preventing HPV begins with educating yourself

-- Charisse Edwards
Minnesota Spokesman–Recorder

Editors note:This article originally appeared in the Spokesman–Recorder’s July 20 - 26, 2006 issue. It is re-printed with their permission.

Did you know that human papillomavirus (HPV) could cause cervical cancer? Were you aware that regular gynecological exams and pap smears could be the first step in preventing this fatal illness?

HPV is common, but many people know little about it. The media has recently begun shedding light on this silent and potentially life-threatening virus, and for good reason.

Scientists have developed vaccines against HPV; but, in order for the vaccines to be effective, females would need the vaccination before they became sexually active. Certain special interest groups who promote abstinence are opposed to approving the vaccines; they claim that vaccinations may encourage promiscuity among young women.

There are over 100 types of HPV. Mild cases of HPV are harmless. The virus can appear on hands, feet or other areas of the body as warts. Over-the-counter medication and your body’s immune system will usually clear up this type of the virus.

HPV types 6 and 11 can cause genital warts and changes to the cervix. This type of HPV is transmitted through exposure to the genital area of an infected person. Since there may not be visible symptoms, individuals are unaware of this risk.

HPV types 16 and 18 are the most severe and can lead to cervical cancer.

Regular gynecological exams and pap smears are the most effective ways to detect these types of the virus in women. HPV can cause abnormal pap tests, and it is possible to have more than one type of the virus.

Understanding the link between genital warts, abnormal pap smears, cervical cancer and HPV can be confusing. Your doctor may be one of the best sources of information.

Nevertheless, it is important to take a proactive approach toward your health care. Conduct your own research at your local library or online. Prepare questions before visiting your doctor, such as the following: How often should I have pap tests? How can I protect myself against HPV? Will you test me for HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases? How will a pap smear help to prevent cancer?

If you do not take care of yourself, nobody else will. Jackie Barrett, a 45-year-old teacher from Wisconsin described her close encounter with HPV.

"I had an abnormal pap test about one year ago," she said. "My doctor took a biopsy of my cervix and delivered the bad news. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer caused by HPV. I never had regular pap tests. This could have been prevented."

Certain types of HPV can cause cancer of the vagina, anus, vulva or other life-threatening conditions. If cancer is detected, radiation and surgery are the most common forms of treatment.

Educating yourself and other women is imperative. Older women should speak with young girls about reproductive health before they become sexually active. Having an open and nonjudgmental discussion about safe sex may encourage young women to make educated decisions about their reproductive health.

For more information about HPV, contact the following organizations:

http://www.hpv.com
http://www.cdc.gov
http://www.plannedparenthood.org