HPV, Cervix Cancer, NO USUAL SYMPTOMS, Tests- Changing, new information !
Remember, even the "old" stuff stays on the Internet~forever!
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Your chances, risks, & how easy it is to cut it off at the pass! Literally!
A simple procedure/test that takes less than a minute!
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THE VIRUS: HPV (Source: 5th link)Also known as: HPV DNA
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Your chances, risks, & how easy it is to cut it off at the pass! Literally!
A simple procedure/test that takes less than a minute!
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THE VIRUS: HPV (Source: 5th link)Also known as: HPV DNA
Formal name: Genital Human Papillomavirus
How can the pap smear (named after George N. Papanicolaou) SAVE YOUR LIFE? (2)
Traditionally, genital HPV infection has been detected as abnormal cell changes on a Pap smear, a test used primarily to detect cancer of the cervix
(the lower part of the uterus or womb) or conditions that may lead to
cancer. During a Pap smear, the "normalness" of cervical cells is
evaluated under a microscope. "Low-grade" changes to the cells on a Pap
smear may indicate an HPV infection, but there is no clear distinction
between high- and low-risk types.
Screening even finds precancerous lesions that can be monitored or removed before cancer ever starts to develop.(7)
DNA testing for HPV has gained widespread acceptance as an additional cervical cancer screening tool and as follow-up to abnormal changes detected with a Pap smear. There are now several such DNA HPV tests, some of which have been approved for marketing by the FDA, that can detect either the majority of the high-risk types of HPV or specific subtypes, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18.
How effective is the Pap smear? (2)
Regular Pap smears every two years can help
prevent up to 90 per cent of the most common type of cervical cancer.
Like all screening procedures, the Pap smear has limitations. Sometimes it will not detect early cell changes because the smear did not contain enough abnormal cells. Sometimes samples are difficult to interpret due to blood or mucus on the slide. If this occurs, the general practitioner or nurse may need to take another Pap smear.
DONT GO ON YOUR PERIOD! (MHA)
Who is at risk? (1)
All women with a cervix who have ever had sex at
some time in their life are at risk of cervical cancer.
AGE Statistics-
About half the new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed each year are in women over 50 years of age. More women over 50 years of age die from cervical cancer because their cancer is diagnosed later when treatment is more difficult. THEY JUST STOPPED GOING IN TO GET THIS SIMPLE TEST! (MHA)
Example: Women 30 + that do have HIV or immunosuppression should talk to your doctor about
more regularly frequent checks (6)
Even if you do not need a Pap test each year, for most women an annual gynecologic and pelvic exam is still recommended, reminds
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology. (these tests do NOT reflect the possibility of ovarian cancer! (Your MHA) )
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Screening even finds precancerous lesions that can be monitored or removed before cancer ever starts to develop.(7)
DNA testing for HPV has gained widespread acceptance as an additional cervical cancer screening tool and as follow-up to abnormal changes detected with a Pap smear. There are now several such DNA HPV tests, some of which have been approved for marketing by the FDA, that can detect either the majority of the high-risk types of HPV or specific subtypes, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18.
How effective is the Pap smear? (2)
Regular Pap smears every two years can help prevent up to 90 per cent of the most common type of cervical cancer.
Like all screening procedures, the Pap smear has limitations. Sometimes it will not detect early cell changes because the smear did not contain enough abnormal cells. Sometimes samples are difficult to interpret due to blood or mucus on the slide. If this occurs, the general practitioner or nurse may need to take another Pap smear.
DONT GO ON YOUR PERIOD! (MHA)
Who is at risk? (1)
All women with a cervix who have ever had sex at
some time in their life are at risk of cervical cancer. AGE Statistics-
About half the new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed each year are in women over 50 years of age. More women over 50 years of age die from cervical cancer because their cancer is diagnosed later when treatment is more difficult. THEY JUST STOPPED GOING IN TO GET THIS SIMPLE TEST! (MHA)
Cervical cancer Screenings (8)(American Cancer Society)
- Cervical cancer screening (testing) should begin at age 21. Women under age 21 should not be tested.(This is due to rapidly changing cells in youth-MileHighAdvocate)
- Women between ages 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every 3 years. Now there is also a test called the HPV (DNA) test. HPV testing should not be used in this age group unless it is needed after an abnormal Pap test result.
- Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have a Pap test plus an HPV (DNA) test (called “co-testing”) every 5 years. This is the preferred approach, but it is also OK to have a Pap test alone every 3 years.
- Women over age 65 who have had regular cervical cancer testing with normal results should not be tested for cervical cancer. Once testing is stopped, it should not be started again. Women with a history of a serious cervical pre-cancer should continue to be tested for at least 20 years after that diagnosis, even if testing continues past age 65.
- A woman who has had her uterus removed (and also her cervix) for reasons not related to cervical cancer and who has no history of cervical cancer or serious pre-cancer should not be tested.
- A woman who has been vaccinated against HPV should still follow the screening recommendations for her age group.
Example: Women 30 + that do have HIV or immunosuppression should talk to your doctor about
more regularly frequent checks (6)
Even if you do not need a Pap test each year, for most women an annual gynecologic and pelvic exam is still recommended, reminds
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology. (these tests do NOT reflect the possibility of ovarian cancer! (Your MHA) )
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MEN with HPV?
Some doctors will test men who fall into a high-risk category. Men who have sex with men and those who have HIV may be tested for HPV (DNA). Evaluating the risk of HPV-related diseases of the anal canal in men is becoming more common.
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Key points to share: (4)
- HPV types: There are over 100 types of HPV, about 30 of which are primarily associated with anogenital skin and sexual transmission. Of these types, some can cause genital warts (“low-risk” HPV) while others may cause abnormal cell changes, most commonly of the cervix (“high-risk” HPV).HPV Latency: It can take weeks, months, or even years after exposure to HPV before symptoms develop or the virus is detected. This is why it is usually impossible to determine when or from whom HPV may have been contracted.
- A recent diagnosis of HPV does not necessarily mean anyone has been unfaithful, even in a long-term relationship spanning years.Medical Impact: The medical risks of genital HPV do exist and should not to be overlooked, but a key point is that for most people, HPV is a harmless infection that does not result in visible symptoms or health complications.
- Very few cases of “high-risk” HPV will lead to cervical cancer, for example, primarily because the immune response is usually able to suppress the virus before cancer develops. In some cases, HPV may cause cell changes that persist for years, and the cells can eventually become cancerous if not detected in time. However, regular screening (such as Pap tests) can almost always find abnormalities so they can be treated, if needed, before cancer occurs.Some other cancers associated with “high-risk” HPV include those of the anus, penis, vagina, and vulva. These cancers are not common and are very rare in industrialized nations, however.
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What are the symptoms of cervical cancer? (caused by the high risk HPV virus types 16,18- of about 100 different ones) (2)
In the early stages of cervical cancer, there are usually no symptoms. The only way to detect changes is if you have a Pap smear.Often, the first clue is a Pap test result that is abnormal. In a Pap test, the doctor takes a swab of cervical cells and has them analyzed in a laboratory. If the Pap test results are unclear, the doctor may order a HPV test to check the DNA type of the virus. This analysis can identify 13 or 14 of the high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer. It does not identify cancer. But it tells the woman and her doctor if she has a type of HPV capable of causing cancer. (to keep her getting regular checks to cut it off at the pass) (3)
IF YOU ARE ON PERIOD, it more than likely well effects test results to read abnormal !
If you have any abnormal vaginal bleeding (such as intermittent bleeding, bleeding after sex or after menopause), abnormal or persistent vaginal discharge (bloody or offensive), or pelvic pain, you should see your general practitioner.
About HPV Virus (2)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection which in most cases (80%) is cleared by the body’s immune system in 8-14 months. The presence of HPV may be detected by the Pap smear. Some women who have persistent infections may develop abnormalities of the cervix. This is why it is important to have a regular Pap smears.(2)There are more than 100 types of HPV. About 30 or so types can cause genital infections. Some can cause genital warts; other types can cause cervical or other genital cancers. The other 70 or so HPV types can cause infections and warts elsewhere on the body, such as on the hands.(3)
How many women get cancer of the cervix? (2)
The American Cancer Society's most recent estimates for cancer of the cervix in the United States are for 2012:
Cervical cancer tends to occur in midlife. Most cases are found in women younger than 50. It rarely occurs in women younger than 20. But even women over 50 are still at risk of getting cervical cancer. This is why it is important for older women to keep being screened for cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. But since 1955 the number of deaths from cervical cancer has gone down a lot. The main reason for this change is the use of screening to find cervical cancer early.
- About 12,170 new cases of invasive cervical cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the cervix)
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About 4,220 deaths from cervical cancer IF YOU GET CHECKED
REGULARLY< EVERY TWO YEARS> You can cut it off at the pass! (no
pun intended)
Cervical cancer tends to occur in midlife. Most cases are found in women younger than 50. It rarely occurs in women younger than 20. But even women over 50 are still at risk of getting cervical cancer. This is why it is important for older women to keep being screened for cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. But since 1955 the number of deaths from cervical cancer has gone down a lot. The main reason for this change is the use of screening to find cervical cancer early.
How often should I have a Pap smear? (Double info here-due to my findings that the Australian government has more periodic recommendations-I like that)(2)
All women over 18 who have ever had sex are advised to have a Pap smear every two years, even if they no longer have sex.As the most common type of cervical cancer usually takes up to 10 years to develop, there is little advantage in having a Pap smear more frequently than every two years.
Your general practitioner may recommend more frequent Pap smears if a previous smear showed significant cell changes or you experience problems, such as bleeding or pain after sex.
I’ve been through menopause; do I still need to have a Pap smear?(2)
Yes, the risk of getting cervical cancer is the same even after menopause so it is important to keep having Pap smears every two years, even after menopause.I've had a hysterectomy. Do I still need to have Pap smears?(2)
Following a hysterectomy, women should discuss their ongoing need for cervical screening with their doctor. Women who have had a hysterectomy usually do not require further Pap smears. However, in some cases, Pap smears may still be needed.Women who have had a total hysterectomy, that is, the uterus and cervix removed, and have ever had treatment for severe changes on the cervix, are recommended to continue to have smears taken from the upper vagina (known as vault smears). Women who have had a hysterectomy but have never had a Pap smear should also have a vault smear. Women who have had a partial hysterectomy, where the cervix is not removed, should still have a Pap smear every two years.
Many women do not know exactly what type of hysterectomy they had. If you are not sure, it is important to find out. If your doctor has no records of the operation, an internal examination or a cell sample may be needed.
Should women with a disability have Pap smears?(2)
Yes, all women with a cervix who have ever had sex are at risk of cervical cancer.When should I stop having Pap smears? (2)
If you are 70 years or over and have had two normal Pap smears in the last five years, you do not have to keep having Pap smears, unless you wish to do so. Women who are over 70 years who have never had a Pap smear, or those who request a Pap smear, can make an appointment to be screened.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have gathered info from Us and Australia, just because I live in America and like the more frequency of the checks Australia recommends..obviously they are more cautious...either country, you should be able to get your free paps...or at least be seen by:
- a community or women’s health center
- Pap smears are available from family planning clinics
- public health departments
- health care providers (including pediatricians, general practitioner, family physicians, obstetrician-gynecologists, and nurse practitioners
Passing on HPV after treatment - How your body more than likely builds immunity to the virus-(4)
Much remains unknown about HPV transmission when symptoms (lesions such as warts or cell changes-caused by types 6,11) aren’t present, so experts cannot fully answer this question. However, studies show that in most cases a healthy immune system will be likely to clear, or suppress, HPV eventually. Some cases may persist for years and result in recurrent lesions, but this is not the norm. The bottom line is that most who have genital HPV DNA detected in research studies eventually test negative, often within a year or two. Many researchers and clinicians do believe “subclinical” HPV (virus may be in skin cells but no lesions are present) is less likely to be transmitted than when warts or cell changes are detected, probably due to a reduced viral load, and subsequently think it is reasonable to say the chances of transmitting virus years after the last clinical episode (where lesions were detected) will become increasingly remote over time. This is not easy to prove and the lack of a solid “yes or no” answer is frustrating. Still, HPV does not seem likely to always be active.For information on how to reduce your cancer risk and other questions about cancer, please call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit us online at www.cancer.org. American Cancer Society
VIDEO:
What does my cervix look like?
I will add, in younger women whom have not yet had children, their hole will be more like a small circular hole..Lower pic....and a woman after childbirth is like a smile! Middle pic....
I am a visual person, and thus tried to find the best vid and pics for the story.
Whew! 4 hours of my free time here ladies...give me a fab comment if you likey !
or friend me on facebook: Lalani Earthmama
(1) http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/
(2) http://www.cancerscreening.
(3) http://www.webmd.com/sexual-
(4) http://www.nccc-online.org/
(5) http://labtestsonline.org/
(6) http://labtestsonline.org/
(7) http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/
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