The preventable cancer that kills thousands of women
Cervical cancer is among the leading causes of cancer deaths in developing countries; it used to be the same in developed countries until certain measures were taken.
Let's dive in!
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Some viruses have been linked to certain cancers, causing people who are exposed to them to be predisposed to cancer. One of such viruses is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
HPV can cause the following cancers:
Cervical cancer
Vaginal cancer
Anal cancer
Vulvar cancer
Penile cancer
Oropharyngeal cancer
Strains of HPV
HPV has high-risk and low-risk strains that cause different things.
High-risk strains of HPV: HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, etc. HPV 16 and 18 are more commonly associated with cervical cancers.
Low-risk strains of HPV: HPV 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, etc. HPV 6 and 11 mostly cause genital warts.
HPV infection pathway
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV goes away on its own within 2 years in 9 out of 10 people.
In the remaining 1 person (10%), HPV can cause genital warts or cancers, depending on the strain.
Cervical cancer and HPV
Cervical cancer is among the leading causes of cancer death in women in developing countries; it used to be so in developed countries as well until measures were taken.
What is cervical cancer?
It's simply cancer of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. HPV causes more than 90% of cases of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancers are one of the cancers that can be caught early and treated with high survival rates.
The HPV vaccine reduces one's chances of having cervical cancer.
HPV vaccination
It is recommended to be given to children between 11 and 12 years old. However, it can be started at age 9 and given to anyone not more than 26 years old.
It is best started early before one can be exposed to the virus. HPV is gotten through vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
For people older than 26 years old, the benefits of the HPV vaccine are reduced because they may already be exposed to the virus. If you're more than 26 years old and are concerned about already being infected, talk to your doctor about it.
It isn't enough to get vaccinated. You also have to do HPV screening tests regularly.
HPV screening tests
A HPV test or pap smear should be done once you're 21 years old. Then it should be done every 3–5 years after that, depending on the type of screening procedure you do and your age.
These tests help in the early detection of HPV and cervical precancers (abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancers). If the results are positive, treatment may be started, which will help prevent its progression to cervical cancer.
Why is cervical cancer still a leading cause of cancer death in developing countries?
In developing countries like Nigeria, lots of girls aren't given the HPV vaccine; hence, many women are not vaccinated. The vaccine is also expensive, so even when women become aware of it, some don't go ahead and take it, especially as its effectiveness is reduced at later ages.
Some weeks ago, the HPV vaccine was added to the routine immunization done in Nigeria across 16 states (there are 36 states here). This is a wonderful development, as the next generation of women will most likely not die from cervical cancer.
What about the women of today?
You can still get vaccinated if you’re less than 27 years old. You should also do a pap smear or HPV test if you’re up to 21 years old.
It is sad that lots of women still die from something that is avoidable.
Please create awareness about cervical cancer today and its preventive measures by telling people about it and reposting this.
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My name is Chidinma Ekekeh, and I'm a health writer. I help healthcare companies, magazines, and hospitals create consumer content for their patients and readers.
I also write about health matters affecting women around the world.
