January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is almost always preventable. Yet, many women don't know that their actions can dramatically reduce their risk of developing this form of gynecologic cancer. The number of women developing cervical cancer has decreased by almost 50% since the 1970s. Increased utilization of the Pap test to detect pre-cancerous cells or early-stage cervical cancer is the major reason for this decline in the United States.
HPV, otherwise known as the human papillomavirus, is a sexually transmitted infection that should not be confused with HIV or HSV (herpes). There are currently nearly 80 million people in the United States alone who are living with HPV, many of whom are in their teens and early twenties.
While there are about 30 different types that affect the genitals, including the vagina, penis, vulva, cervix, and scrotum, there are another 70 additional forms of HPV that can affect other areas of the body. Of the approximate 100 different types of HPV, infectious disease doctors consider 14 of them to be “high risk” which can lead to cervical or gynecologic cancers.
The month of September is designated as Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. This time is set aside to provide education about these cancers that affect women, including ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
Genetics have been found to play a role in some forms of gynecologic cancer, particularly ovarian cancer. Genetic testing is available for ovarian and other cancers.
It can be hard to deal with the reputation that surrounds HPV and other gynecological cancers and get down to facts. With so much information-- and misinformation-- at our fingertips, getting a solid understanding of what HPV is and how it impacts the people who have it can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
