HPV and Cervical Cancer prevention

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Around 42 million Americans are currently infected and 13 million Americans, including teens, become infected each year (HPV Infection, 2021). The virus is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives. Most people who get infected show no symptoms, but for some HPV can cause warts and even cancer. HPV is said to be responsible for roughly 90% of cervical and anal cancers, 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and more than 60% of penile cancers. On top of this new research has shown that more than 70% of oropharyngeal cancers, traditionally thought to be caused by tobacco and alcohol use alone, are also linked to HPV (Cancers Caused by HPV, 2022).

Although it can be spread through oral sex and close skin-to-skin contact, HPV is most commonly spread through vaginal and anal sex. HPV can be spread from person to person even if no symptoms of infection are present. It’s even possible for symptoms to appear years after contracting it, making it hard to know when and who the virus was contracted from. Unfortunately, there is no routine test to determine someone’s status and for this reason most people don’t know they have HPV until they develop symptoms or health problems from it. For these reasons it's important for people that are sexually active to protect themselves fro contracting the virus.

The good news is there are several ways for people to protect themselves. One of the first steps people can take is to get vaccinated! The HPV vaccine is safe and effective and it’s recommended that children get routinely vaccinated at age 11 or 12 years old. Also, it is recommended that everyone under the age of 27 get vaccinated if not already vaccinated when younger. Although vaccination is not recommended for anyone over the age of 26, some adults might decide to get the vaccine after speaking with their physician. It is not recommended for people to get vaccinated over the age of 26 because they most likely have already been exposed to the virus and the vaccine provides less benefit in these scenarios. The vaccine works best to prevent contracting HPV and does not help get rid of existing infections. For this reason, it's best to receive the vaccine before any exposure. Another way for people to protect themselves is by practicing safe sex. Research has shown that using condoms may reduce the risk for transmission. But HPV infections can occur in places that cannot be covered by condoms and for this reason vaccination is the best way to prevent transmission (Meites et al., 2019).

Although there is no routine test to check someone’s “HPV status”, women can take extra steps to protect themselves by getting routinely screened for cervical cancer. More than 9 out of 10 cases of cervical cancer are thought to be caused by HPV. Routine Pap smear testing is used to look for precancerous cells that may eventually become cervical cancer. Research shows that through vaccination and routine pap smears up to 93% of cervical cancer cases can be prevented. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and womens health initiatives are working diligently to spread awareness. Thousands of women are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer every year despite the fact that the disease is preventable. For this reason, doctors and healthcare providers must continue to educate the public on the importance of protecting themselves from HPV and reminding women of the importance of routine pap smear testing, no women should die of cervical cancer!

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, July 23). HPV infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/about-hpv.html

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, February 28). Cancers caused by HPV. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/cancer.html

1. Meites, E., Szilagyi, P. G., Chesson, H. W., Unger, E. R., Romero, J. R., & Markowitz, L. E. (2019). Human papillomavirus vaccination for adults: updated recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. American Journal of Transplantation, 19(11), 3202-3206.