HPV and Cervical cancer

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a group of viruses that affect the skin and moist membranes that line parts of the body. There are different types of HPV, which are categorised as either high risk or low risk depending on the conditions. Most high risk of HPV can cause cervical cancer. HPV can affect the cervix, anus, mouth and throat, it can cause an abnormal tissue growth and other changes to cells within the cervix, which can sometimes cause cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is the type of cancer that develops in a woman’s cervix (the neck of the womb) the cancer of the cervix has no symptoms in its early stages; if there is a symptom, its mostly unusual vaginal bleeding, which can occur after sex, in between period or after the menopause.  Sometimes abnormal bleeding doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer but you should contact health professionals for thorough investigations immediately to know the cause of the bleeding.

To be frank, some of us don’t like to go for smear appointment and some do not know that such test exists, it is important to go for checks whenever the time arrives for our health safety. 

Good news!  Today, girls aged 12-13 are now given vaccination against HPV to help protect them from the virus.

Different types of HPV and what they do:

• Genital warts: These are viral skin infection caused by HPV, they are small fleshy growths, bumps, or skin changes that appear on or around the genital or anal area.
• Skin warts and verrucas:  Warts mostly affect children and teenagers more than adults, they are non-cancerous; warts are small lumps that develop on the skin of the hands and feet.
• Vaginal cancer or vulval cancer: This type of cancer is rare but the cancer that begins in another part of the body such as the cervix, womb or ovaries can spreads to the vagina, which is known as secondary vaginal cancer.
• Anal cancer or cancer of the penis:  This is also a rare cancer, it affects the large bowel; the symptoms are similar to more common and less serious conditions affecting the anus such as piles and anal fissure (tear of open sore that develops in the lining of the anal canal). The symptoms can be rectal bleeding, itching and pain around the anus, small lumps around the anus, discharge and loss of bowel control.
• Cancers of the head and neck: These are uncommon type of cancer. There are more than 30 areas with the head and neck where cancer can develop they include mouth, voice box, throat, salivary glands, nose etc.

What you need to know about HPV:

Human papillomavirus can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer but

getting screened regularly can help detect any abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix at an early stage and get treated to stop cancer developing.

Below are some of the points to know about HPV and screening for cervical cancer:

• Some women will be infected by HPV, at some point in life.
• People can contact the virus through skin -to skin through sexual intercourse
• Most HPV infections will go by itself within two years.
• The HPV test is normally done to see if the type of virus is the one that can cause cervical cancer in the cervix, so that action can be taken immediately.
• If the HPV infect cervical cells for a long period of time, there is a risk that the cells will change abnormally and may lead to cervical cancer.
• If the HPV test is positive, it does not mean that your partner is unfaithful.
• HPV can be in a woman cell for a long time and would never develop a problem.
• HPV can take as long as 10 to 15years for cancer to develop.

Advice:

• HPV can lead to cancer if left untreated; therefore endeavour to go for screening.
• Girls age 12-13 should take the vaccination against HPV.
• Women aged 25 to 49years should go for screening every three years and aged 50 to 64 should go for screening every five years.
• Ensure to contact health professionals, if you notice any abnormal bleeding.
• If you notice any pain and discomfort during sex and an unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge, consult your doctor.

Seek for medical advice immediately if you experience:

• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding outside your normal periods
• Bleeding after the menopause

Do not ignore any changes in your health, seek for help!!!

Source:http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/hpv-human-papillomavirus-vaccine.aspx

Image source: http://www.drugs.com/health-guide/cervival-cancer.html