Return to Main Menu
HPV increases cancer risk; Pap tests
by Erica Richards,
& Infant Services
At least half of all sexually active people will develop human
papillomavirus (HPV) at some time in their lives, and exposure to HPV
increases the risk for women to develop cervical cancer, according to
the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus and it is the
organ in which fetuses grow. The cervix leads from the uterus to the
vagina or birth canal.
Cancer of the cervix is an abnormal growth of cells starting in the
cervix. About 70 percent of all cervical cancers are caused by genital
HPV, which is spread through sexual contact. Typically, the body is
able to fight the infection causing no signs or symptoms, and it goes
away on its own. Persistent HPV infection, however, can lead to
In 2004, 11,892 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and of
those, 3,850 died of the disease, according to national cancer
Meanwhile, cervical cancer is the simplest cancer for females to
prevent with regular screening tests and follow-up care (http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecological).
Cervical cancer also is highly curable when found and treated early.
All women who have ever participated in sexual intercourse are at risk
for cervical cancer, although it occurs most often in women 30 years
Women are at increased risk of acquiring HPV if: they began having
sexual intercourse at an early age; have had multiple sexual partners,
or if their partner has had multiple sexual partners; and if they use
Though many different types of HPV exist, only types 16 and 18
currently are known to cause cervical cancer, according to the CDC.
Women who have cervical cancer typically do not experience signs or
symptoms, although advanced cervical cancer may cause abnormal bleeding
or discharge from the vagina, and pelvic pain or pain during
intercourse. Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the
disease, size of the tumor, age of the woman and the patient’s desire
to have children. All treatment options should be discussed with a
physician before making any decisions regarding care.
A Pap smear is the test used to detect changes in cervical cells. Six
out of 10 cervical cancers occur in women who have never received a Pap
test or in women who have not been tested in the past five years,
according to CDC. It is recommended that women begin Pap tests by age
21 or within three years of initiating sexual activity.
The Pap test is a relatively simple procedure done by an advanced
practice nurse or physician in which cells are gently scraped from the
cervix and examined under a microscope to detect cancer or any changes
that may lead to cancer. Women are notified of the results of the Pap
test typically via mail or phone calls within two weeks after the test.
Recommendations for treatment are made if an abnormality is noted,
depending on the severity.
Some women will require repeat Pap smears every six months, while
others will need additional procedures. An abnormal Pap smear does not
necessarily indicate cervical cancer, but identifies cervical cell
Currently the only medical prevention method for cervical cancer is the
HPV vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for girls between 9 and 26
years of age. Although vaccines are available, they do not replace the
Continuing to have regular Pap smears, whether vaccinated or not, is
important. Obtaining regular Pap smears, abstaining from tobacco
products, using condoms, and limiting the number of sexual encounters
and partners also can greatly decrease a woman’s risk of getting HPV
and cervical cancer.
More information on Pap tests, HPV and cervical cancer can be found at http://www.cdc.gov.
Free Pap tests are available for low income women through the National
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn more call
(800) 232-4636, or visit http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp.
Editor's note: The preceding
column was brought to you on behalf of Health 1st. Striving to bring
various topics and representing numerous employee wellness
organizations and committees on campus, this weekly column seeks to
provide MUSC, MUHA and UMA employees with current and helpful
information concerning all aspects of health.
Friday, Feb. 8, 2008
Catalyst Online is published weekly,
as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public
for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of
Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at
or by email, email@example.com. Editorial copy can be submitted to
Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to
firstname.lastname@example.org. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island
Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.