HPV stands for human papillomavirus. HPV causes the disease known as genital warts, but also causes cervical cancer. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world today.
There are many different types HPV, not all types cause warts and lesions occur in the area genital. In fact, most people with sexually transmitted disease are unaware they have it.
Statistics show that up to 50% of sexually active adults acquire HPV in their lives. A strong immune system is likely to be able to take care of the HPV first so that may not even know you had. If you have been infected by the type of HPV that cause genital warts, you can see the wart like lesions in the genital area, including shaft of the penis and anal region. Women with genital warts in May saw no harm at all if they are limited to the vagina.
The strains of HPV that cause warts genitalia are considered low virus strains that cause cervical cancer risk are considered "high risk".
The link between cervical cancer uterine and sexual activity was suspected when the observation was made (1841) that the sisters have not been diagnosed with cervical cancer. At the same time it was observed cancer of the uterine cervix was more common among women who were prostitutes. A link between viruses and cancer has been found pappilloma research in rabbits, but it was not until the human papilloma virus has been identified as the link with HPV and cervical cancer done. This occurred in the 1970s.
Both Canada and the American Cancer Society lists other risk factors for cervical cancer that long-term exposure to female hormones, as those found in the contraceptive pill, smoking, HIV infection, exposure to certain hormones such as diethylstilbestrol (DES), and genetic factors.
Cervical Cancer
The cervix is the opening of the uterus. When infected with strains of high risk human papillomavirus these cells can become cancerous. Women over 30 are at greater risk of developing cervical cancer suggesting it takes a while for cancerous changes that occur after infection with HPV. Not all women who are infected with human papilloma virus, continue to develop cervical cancer.
In the U.S. Cervical cancer is more common among black and Hispanic populations are also more disease mortality. In Canada, the highest rates of cervical cancer are considered among the oldest (ages 40-59), immigrants, indigenous, populations and socio-economic development. In both countries, we believe that rates are higher among these populations because of the lack of control, resulting in the detection of a much later stage of the disease.
The number of deaths from cervical cancer in the past 50 years has decreased significantly due to the ability to diagnose the disease early with regular Pap tests. This test is called the creator George Papanicolaou. It is a simple test which requires a sample of cells cervix. The tissue is sent to a laboratory for examination microspope. cancerous changes can be detected early and thus early diagnosis improves the success rate for treatment.
Treatment
When diagnosed early cancer of the cervix can be treated by removing of cancer cells. This can range from removal of cells confined to the cervix to complete hysterectomy based on how advanced the cancer and whether or not it has spread to the lymph tissue.
Prevention
You can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer Uterine by limiting the number of sexual contacts, and knowing that your partner has HPV. If you are sexually active and not in a monogamous relationship, you should use a barrier method of protection for each sex and undergo periodic review as part of their routine health check. It is recommended that women sexually active should have a gynecological exam with a Pap test every three years to 69 years.
Vaccination against HPV
Vaccines have recently appeared on the market that offer protection from two strains of high-risk HPV. Health officials recommend that all girls before beom be vaccinated are sexually active. The vaccine is offered free of girls in most provinces of Canada. Many states in the United States trying to adopt a legislation requiring the vaccine, but to date only 3 have gotten the legislation passed.
About the Author:
Beverly Hansen OMalley is a nurse who is passionate about health promotion. Visit www.registered-nurse-canada.com where Bev explores the uniqueness of the nursing profession in Canada including comparison of nurse salary across the country, preparation for the Canadian nursing entrance test and how to become a nurse in Canada if you graduated in another country.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – HPV – the Human Papilloma Virus and Cervical Cancer
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