Six Facts You Should Know About HPV and Cervical Cancer

By Dr. Nazaneen Homaifar, OBGYN

What Is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. [1] There are many types of HPV- some can go away on their own, while others lead to health problems such as genital warts and cancer. [1] HPV can be spread through close skin-to-skin contact, most often during vaginal or anal sex. HPV can be spread even if someone has no apparent symptoms, which happens frequently. [1] Those that do experience symptoms may notice warts on the genitals, hands, feet, legs, and face. [2] 

HPV and Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in people assigned female at birth (AFAB) globally. [3] Nearly all cervical cancer is caused by a persistent HPV infection, but it can take 20 years or longer for cancer to develop after someone is infected. [3] HPV doesn’t often cause noticeable symtoms, which is why regular screenings are vital for catching the infection early. 

Preventing HPV and Cervical Cancer

Fortunately there are vaccines available that can prevent HPV infection, cervical cancer, and other HPV-related cancers. [1] It’s also recommended that those over the age of 21 get routine Papanicolaou (PAP) tests every few years. [4] PAP tests can detect precanceorus conditions of the cervix, allowing providers to monitor or treat conditions early on. Safe sex practices can also reduce someone’s risk of cervical cancer. [3] This includes using a condom every time you have sex and limiting the number of sexual partners you have. 

Treating HPV and Cervical Cancer

There is no treatment for the virus iteslf, but there are treatments for genital warts, pre-cancer identification and treatment, and treatment for other HPV-related cancers. [5] If you suspect you do have HPV, it’s important to seek out a healthcare provider right away. 

Cervical cancer is treated in several ways, depending on the type of cancer and how far it’s spread. Treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. 

Facts to Know About HPV

Let’s summarize. Here are six key facts you should know about HPV and cervical cancer [1-7]: 

1. HPV is a virus (there are over 150 strains!) that is sexually transmitted and causes the majority of cervical cancers worldwide. It is spread through genital-to-genital or any genital-to-oral contact. 
2. HPV can cause cancer (cervical, oral, or anal) or genital warts. HPV 16 and 18 are the most high-risk strains causing cancer in the USA. 
3. Many people with HPV will experience no symptoms, meaning the infection can go unnoticed for years if not tested or screened. 
4. The only scientifically-proven way to reduce the risk of cervical cancer in sexually active women is through the HPV vaccine. Why? Because almost everyone who is unvaccinated and sexually active will get an HPV infection at some point during their life. 
5. The current HPV vaccine can reduce the risk of most HPV cancers and genital warts by 88%! 
6. Current cervical cancer screening guidelines recommend starting screening pap smears at age 21 (regardless of whether a patient has had sex) and repeating every three years. 

Keep reading:

• Are Uterine Fibroids Cancerous?
  
• Getting Pregnant After Cancer
• Do Fertility Treatments Increase the Risk of Cancer?