Cervavac

How does HPV spread?

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. Most sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives and some women will get cervical cancer. HPV infection is mostly seen in adolescents and young adults between 15 and 25 years of age.

What are the other cancers and diseases caused by HPV in females and males?

Apart from cervical cancer, HPV can also cause vaginal and vulvar cancers in females. In males, HPV can cause penile cancer. It can cause anal and oropharyngeal cancers, and genital warts in both males and females.

What is cervical cancer?

There are five main types of cancer that affect a woman’s reproductive organs i.e., cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus. When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV infection.

How common is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is the 2nd highest cause of female cancer in India and 4th most common cancer for women worldwide. Unlike most cancers, cervical cancer is more likely to develop among women aged 20–45 than among older women.

What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Factors ranging from unprotected sex, sexually transmitted disease, lack of menstrual hygiene, weak immune system, etc. could be probable causes. The best way to prevent this cancer is to get vaccinated with an HPV vaccine and maintain proper intimate hygiene.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer may not show any significant signs and symptoms at an early stage. At the advanced stage, cervical cancer may cause bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is not normal, such as bleeding after sex. If one has any of these signs, they should see the doctor.

When should one get tested for cervical cancer?

The Pap test is one of the most reliable and effective cancer screening tests available. It is recommended for all women between the ages of 21 and 29 years old. If the Pap test results are normal, the doctor may ask to repeat it after three years. For 30 years and above, one can choose to have a Pap test or an HPV test, or both together. If results are normal, the chance of getting cervical cancer in the next few years is very low. The doctor may recommend doing the test again after five years.

How can one reduce the risk of cervical cancer?

The most important ways to prevent cervical cancer are to get vaccinated against HPV and have regular screening tests like the HPV test and the Pap test (for Pap smear).