HPV and Cervical Cancer

There is a growing body of evidence that HPV and cervical cancer are closely linked. In all countries cervical cancer is among the most prevalent female cancerous conditions. It is a second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. It has been found that about 95% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer are positive for HPV.

It is estimated that most sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. HPV has an ability to induce cellular abnormalities in the epithelial layer. Sometimes these abnormalities develop into tissue lesions that may be either benign or cancerous. The prevention of cancerous lesions development is possible through an early detection of HPV infection which is based on the performance of tests for HPV and cervical cancer precursors screening.

There are about 100 strains of HPV, but malignant cellular abnormalities are caused by only a few of them. The strains which have a strong association with cervical malignancies are classified as high risk strains. These strains are usually transmitted through sexual contacts and infect genital organs. Precancerous conditions of the cervix can be caused by HPV and cervical cancer generally develops asymptomatically. Therefore women should have gynecological examinations systematically.

Health care providers use different tests to detect early signs of HPV and cervical cancer. The most frequently used test is the cytological examination of cervical smears which is called Pap test. Women may also be referred for such procedures as colposcopy, examination of vaginal and cervical walls under a special microscope, and biopsy, taking a small piece of cervical tissue for an analysis.

In general, the development of cervical cancer from precancerous conditions occurs within several years. That is why it is possible to detect early stages of cancer by regular testing. Patients diagnosed with cervical abnormalities should undergo an HPV test, since it allows to determine their chances to develop cervical cancer. It has been shown that tests for HPV and cervical cancer precursors detecting help to reduce considerably the number of new cases of cervical cancer.

Sexual contacts with several partners, frequent change of sexual partners, smoking and weakness of immune defenses increase chances for HPV and cervical cancer. That is why it is highly recommended to reinforce immune system and refrain from risky sexual contacts in order to decrease the risk of HPV and cervical cancer.