What Every Woman Should Know About Cervical Cancer

Wednesday, March 1, 2006

Should Know About Preventing Cervical Cancer (NAPSA)—It is the most com- mon sexually transmitted infection in the United States, yet with no obvious symptoms, many people never even know they haveit. Left undetected, though, certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV)can lead to cervical cancer, a disease that will strike more than 10,000 womenin the U.S. in 2006. Recent medical advancements have been made, however, to help stop this disease. The FDA approved the first HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, and the National Advisory HPV Facts And Stats The HPV vaccine is mosteffective for those whohavenot beensexually active. The HPV vaccine does not protect against all strains of HPV, so womenstill needto get regular Paptests. @ In addition to the Pap test, the HPV DNAtest identifies women who have an HPV infection. If a woman has an infection, however, that does not mean that she will automatically get cervical cancer. “In most cases, an HPV infec- Committee on Immunization Practices recommendedthat the vaccine be given to girls aged 11 and 12. But what does this mean for other women? Is the vaccine just tion is temporary, and is cleared by the immune system without longer need to get Pap tests? Pathologists—physicians who and persists for many years, can for preteens? And do women no treatment in less than two years,” said Dr. Szypko. “However, infection by high-risk HPV, especially when the infection is not detected study tissues and cells to identify sometimes cause cervical cells to become precancerous and possibly cancerous.” guidelines: Pathologists offer insights into who have not been sexually test alone is still best. When the HPV test is administered to and diagnose cervical cancer, HPV and other diseases—offer some “The HPV vaccine is most effective for those individuals active,” said Paula Szypko, M.D., FCAP, a pathologist at North State Pathology Associates, PA in High Point, N.C. “And, while the vaccine is a medical advancement, it does not protect against all strains of HPV. Women should continue to get regular Paptests. They could save herlife.” Since the introduction of Pap screening programs in the U.S., the number of cervical cancer cases has decreased by 70 percent. In fact, pathologists regard the Pap test as the mosteffective tool to prevent cervical cancer, because it detects and allows for treatment of early precancerous changes in the cervix before invasive cancer has a chance to develop. So, HPV test or Pap test? whatis best for you: “For women under 30, the Pap younger women,it will likely identify many who are HPVpositive and may cause unnecessary anxiety,” said Dr. Szypko. “For women aged 30 andolder, it is appropriate that they have both a Pap test and an HPV test to further enhance their chances for identifying precancerous changes andan early diagnosis.” For more information regard- ing HPV and Pap tests, visit www.cap.org, or to register for an e-mail to schedule a cervical cancer screening test visit www.MyHealthTestReminder.com, a free Internet-based public service provided by the College of American Pathologists.

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