The document discusses cervical cancer facts and answers common questions about the disease. It notes that certain types of HPV are the main cause of cervical cancer. Regular Pap smears are important for detection since symptoms often do not appear until later stages. While not all HPV infections lead to cancer, the virus is very common and sexually transmitted. Getting vaccinated against HPV and practicing safe sex can help reduce risk of infection and subsequent cancer. Early detection through Pap smears remains key to prevention and cure.
Cancer screening is an essential part of preventative health screening for women of all ages. Here you can read about screening for breast and gynecological cancers.
Cancer screening is an essential part of preventative health screening for women of all ages. Here you can read about screening for breast and gynecological cancers.
Awareness session on breast cancer awareness on 21st oct 2021 at Mehran university, Jamshoro organized by American institute of Chemical engineering society AIChE MUET chapter
A presentation looking at breast health and BreastScreen Victoria. The presentation covers breast cancer, risks of breast cancer, breast awareness and the BreastScreen Victoria pathway.
Brief overview of Dr. Herbert Green's "unfortunate experiment" on New Zealand women with cervical abnormalities (please excuse the abundant text and lack of images)
What Are the Key Statistics About Cervical Cancer?
The American Cancer Society's estimates for cervical cancer in the United States for 2017 are:
About 12,820 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed.
About 4,210 women will die from cervical cancer.
Cervical pre-cancers are diagnosed far more often than invasive cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. But over the last 40 years, the cervical cancer death rate has gone down by more than 50%. The main reason for this change was the increased use of the Pap test. This screening procedure can find changes in the cervix before cancer develops. It can also find cervical cancer early − in its most curable stage.
Cervical cancer tends to occur in midlife. Most cases are found in women younger than 50. It rarely develops in women younger than 20. Many older women do not realize that the risk of developing cervical cancer is still present as they age. More than 15% of cases of cervical cancer are found in women over 65. However these cancers rarely occur in women who have been getting regular tests to screen for cervical cancer before they were 65. See the section, " Can cervical cancer be prevented?" and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection for more information about tests used to screen for cervical cancer.
In the United States, Hispanic women are most likely to get cervical cancer, followed by African-Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and whites. American Indians and Alaskan natives have the lowest risk of cervical cancer in this country.
Awareness session on breast cancer awareness on 21st oct 2021 at Mehran university, Jamshoro organized by American institute of Chemical engineering society AIChE MUET chapter
A presentation looking at breast health and BreastScreen Victoria. The presentation covers breast cancer, risks of breast cancer, breast awareness and the BreastScreen Victoria pathway.
Brief overview of Dr. Herbert Green's "unfortunate experiment" on New Zealand women with cervical abnormalities (please excuse the abundant text and lack of images)
What Are the Key Statistics About Cervical Cancer?
The American Cancer Society's estimates for cervical cancer in the United States for 2017 are:
About 12,820 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed.
About 4,210 women will die from cervical cancer.
Cervical pre-cancers are diagnosed far more often than invasive cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. But over the last 40 years, the cervical cancer death rate has gone down by more than 50%. The main reason for this change was the increased use of the Pap test. This screening procedure can find changes in the cervix before cancer develops. It can also find cervical cancer early − in its most curable stage.
Cervical cancer tends to occur in midlife. Most cases are found in women younger than 50. It rarely develops in women younger than 20. Many older women do not realize that the risk of developing cervical cancer is still present as they age. More than 15% of cases of cervical cancer are found in women over 65. However these cancers rarely occur in women who have been getting regular tests to screen for cervical cancer before they were 65. See the section, " Can cervical cancer be prevented?" and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection for more information about tests used to screen for cervical cancer.
In the United States, Hispanic women are most likely to get cervical cancer, followed by African-Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and whites. American Indians and Alaskan natives have the lowest risk of cervical cancer in this country.
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Things You Need to Know About Cervical Health Awareness MonthDr. Martha Tara Lee
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. ❤️
We think it’s important to share information about how one can protect themselves from HPV (human papillomavirus) and cervical cancer.
HPV is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity, and it causes almost all cases of cervical cancer.
✔️ Get vaccinated against HPV.
The most common form of the vaccine protects against two types of HPV that cause 70% of cervical cancers: types 16 and 18. The vaccine also protects against four other high-risk types (6, 11, 16, and 18).
✔️ Talk with your doctor or nurse about the HPV vaccine.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for those aged 11-12. It is given in three doses over six months. The vaccine protects against most types of HPV that cause both cervical cancer and genital warts. It’s safe and effective when given at the recommended age.
👉 Early detection is key to preventing cervical cancer.
We hope this post has given you a better understanding of what cervical health awareness month is, why it’s important, and how to take control of your own health. The more informed we are, the more we can do for ourselves. And remember: don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Created by Relationship Counselor and Clinical Sexologist Dr Martha Tara Lee of Eros Coaching. Hire her at http://www.ErosCoachig.com
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Cancer is always named for the part of the body where it starts, even if it spreads to other body parts later.
When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus. The cervix connects the vagina (birth canal) to the upper part of the uterus. The uterus (or womb) is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant.
Cervical cancer is highly preventable in most Western countries because screening tests and a vaccine to prevent HPV infections are available. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.
CDC
Routine Pap smears (also known as Pap tests) are an important part of protecting your health because they can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. But learning your results are abnormal can cause some anxiety, and you may find yourself wondering what comes next. Join Dr. Sarah Feldman, a gynecologic oncologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, as she breaks down what abnormal results mean, what happens after, and why it’s important to follow up on an abnormal Pap smear.
Cancer of the cervix occurs when the cells of the cervix change in a way that leads to abnormal growth and invasion of other tissues or organs of the body.
Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer among South African women & the leading cancer among black South African women - 1 in 39 women in South Africa will be diagnosed with Cervical Cancer (NCR 2005).
Having regular Pap smears can detect abnormal cells in the cervix (mouth of the womb), that could develop into Cervical Cancer. We encourage all women to go for Pap smears at least every 3 years, from the age of 25, to detect abnormal cells early.
http://www.cansa.org.za/womens-health/
The United States Congress designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month.
CANSA places the focus on Cervical Cancer during the month of September. Cervical Cancer is the 2nd most common cancer among South African women.
Sources: http://www.cansa.org.za/womens-health/
Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer among South African women & the leading cancer among black South African women - 1 in 39 women in South Africa will be diagnosed with Cervical Cancer (NCR 2005).
Having regular Pap smears can detect abnormal cells in the cervix (mouth of the womb), that could develop into Cervical Cancer. We encourage all women to go for Pap smears at least every 3 years, from the age of 25, to detect abnormal cells early.
http://www.cansa.org.za/womens-health/
Beyond Cervical Cancer: What You Need to Know About HPV.pptxbkling
While HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, there are also several other HPV-related cancers. If you’ve had cervical cancer, it’s essential to understand your potential risk for these other cancers and what you can do. Join us and Dr. Keith Sigel, Associate Professor in the Division of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases at Mount Sinai, to learn more about the other cancers HPV can lead to and how you can take control of your health.
Similar to Health conditions_cervical_cancer_facts (20)
These simplified slides by Dr. Sidra Arshad present an overview of the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract.
Learning objectives:
1. Enlist the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract
2. Briefly explain how these functions are carried out
3. Discuss the significance of dead space
4. Differentiate between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation
5. Describe the cough and sneeze reflexes
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 39, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 34, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 17, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
4. Non-respiratory functions of the lungs https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/13/3/98/278874
MANAGEMENT OF ATRIOVENTRICULAR CONDUCTION BLOCK.pdfJim Jacob Roy
Cardiac conduction defects can occur due to various causes.
Atrioventricular conduction blocks ( AV blocks ) are classified into 3 types.
This document describes the acute management of AV block.
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Ve...kevinkariuki227
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
Title: Sense of Taste
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the structure and function of taste buds.
Describe the relationship between the taste threshold and taste index of common substances.
Explain the chemical basis and signal transduction of taste perception for each type of primary taste sensation.
Recognize different abnormalities of taste perception and their causes.
Key Topics:
Significance of Taste Sensation:
Differentiation between pleasant and harmful food
Influence on behavior
Selection of food based on metabolic needs
Receptors of Taste:
Taste buds on the tongue
Influence of sense of smell, texture of food, and pain stimulation (e.g., by pepper)
Primary and Secondary Taste Sensations:
Primary taste sensations: Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami
Chemical basis and signal transduction mechanisms for each taste
Taste Threshold and Index:
Taste threshold values for Sweet (sucrose), Salty (NaCl), Sour (HCl), and Bitter (Quinine)
Taste index relationship: Inversely proportional to taste threshold
Taste Blindness:
Inability to taste certain substances, particularly thiourea compounds
Example: Phenylthiocarbamide
Structure and Function of Taste Buds:
Composition: Epithelial cells, Sustentacular/Supporting cells, Taste cells, Basal cells
Features: Taste pores, Taste hairs/microvilli, and Taste nerve fibers
Location of Taste Buds:
Found in papillae of the tongue (Fungiform, Circumvallate, Foliate)
Also present on the palate, tonsillar pillars, epiglottis, and proximal esophagus
Mechanism of Taste Stimulation:
Interaction of taste substances with receptors on microvilli
Signal transduction pathways for Umami, Sweet, Bitter, Sour, and Salty tastes
Taste Sensitivity and Adaptation:
Decrease in sensitivity with age
Rapid adaptation of taste sensation
Role of Saliva in Taste:
Dissolution of tastants to reach receptors
Washing away the stimulus
Taste Preferences and Aversions:
Mechanisms behind taste preference and aversion
Influence of receptors and neural pathways
Impact of Sensory Nerve Damage:
Degeneration of taste buds if the sensory nerve fiber is cut
Abnormalities of Taste Detection:
Conditions: Ageusia, Hypogeusia, Dysgeusia (parageusia)
Causes: Nerve damage, neurological disorders, infections, poor oral hygiene, adverse drug effects, deficiencies, aging, tobacco use, altered neurotransmitter levels
Neurotransmitters and Taste Threshold:
Effects of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) on taste sensitivity
Supertasters:
25% of the population with heightened sensitivity to taste, especially bitterness
Increased number of fungiform papillae
Title: Sense of Smell
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the primary categories of smells and the concept of odor blindness.
Explain the structure and location of the olfactory membrane and mucosa, including the types and roles of cells involved in olfaction.
Describe the pathway and mechanisms of olfactory signal transmission from the olfactory receptors to the brain.
Illustrate the biochemical cascade triggered by odorant binding to olfactory receptors, including the role of G-proteins and second messengers in generating an action potential.
Identify different types of olfactory disorders such as anosmia, hyposmia, hyperosmia, and dysosmia, including their potential causes.
Key Topics:
Olfactory Genes:
3% of the human genome accounts for olfactory genes.
400 genes for odorant receptors.
Olfactory Membrane:
Located in the superior part of the nasal cavity.
Medially: Folds downward along the superior septum.
Laterally: Folds over the superior turbinate and upper surface of the middle turbinate.
Total surface area: 5-10 square centimeters.
Olfactory Mucosa:
Olfactory Cells: Bipolar nerve cells derived from the CNS (100 million), with 4-25 olfactory cilia per cell.
Sustentacular Cells: Produce mucus and maintain ionic and molecular environment.
Basal Cells: Replace worn-out olfactory cells with an average lifespan of 1-2 months.
Bowman’s Gland: Secretes mucus.
Stimulation of Olfactory Cells:
Odorant dissolves in mucus and attaches to receptors on olfactory cilia.
Involves a cascade effect through G-proteins and second messengers, leading to depolarization and action potential generation in the olfactory nerve.
Quality of a Good Odorant:
Small (3-20 Carbon atoms), volatile, water-soluble, and lipid-soluble.
Facilitated by odorant-binding proteins in mucus.
Membrane Potential and Action Potential:
Resting membrane potential: -55mV.
Action potential frequency in the olfactory nerve increases with odorant strength.
Adaptation Towards the Sense of Smell:
Rapid adaptation within the first second, with further slow adaptation.
Psychological adaptation greater than receptor adaptation, involving feedback inhibition from the central nervous system.
Primary Sensations of Smell:
Camphoraceous, Musky, Floral, Pepperminty, Ethereal, Pungent, Putrid.
Odor Detection Threshold:
Examples: Hydrogen sulfide (0.0005 ppm), Methyl-mercaptan (0.002 ppm).
Some toxic substances are odorless at lethal concentrations.
Characteristics of Smell:
Odor blindness for single substances due to lack of appropriate receptor protein.
Behavioral and emotional influences of smell.
Transmission of Olfactory Signals:
From olfactory cells to glomeruli in the olfactory bulb, involving lateral inhibition.
Primitive, less old, and new olfactory systems with different path
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Pulmonary Thromboembolism - etilogy, types, medical- Surgical and nursing man...VarunMahajani
Disruption of blood supply to lung alveoli due to blockage of one or more pulmonary blood vessels is called as Pulmonary thromboembolism. In this presentation we will discuss its causes, types and its management in depth.
Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...Oleg Kshivets
RESULTS: Overall life span (LS) was 2252.1±1742.5 days and cumulative 5-year survival (5YS) reached 73.2%, 10 years – 64.8%, 20 years – 42.5%. 513 LCP lived more than 5 years (LS=3124.6±1525.6 days), 148 LCP – more than 10 years (LS=5054.4±1504.1 days).199 LCP died because of LC (LS=562.7±374.5 days). 5YS of LCP after bi/lobectomies was significantly superior in comparison with LCP after pneumonectomies (78.1% vs.63.7%, P=0.00001 by log-rank test). AT significantly improved 5YS (66.3% vs. 34.8%) (P=0.00000 by log-rank test) only for LCP with N1-2. Cox modeling displayed that 5YS of LCP significantly depended on: phase transition (PT) early-invasive LC in terms of synergetics, PT N0—N12, cell ratio factors (ratio between cancer cells- CC and blood cells subpopulations), G1-3, histology, glucose, AT, blood cell circuit, prothrombin index, heparin tolerance, recalcification time (P=0.000-0.038). Neural networks, genetic algorithm selection and bootstrap simulation revealed relationships between 5YS and PT early-invasive LC (rank=1), PT N0—N12 (rank=2), thrombocytes/CC (3), erythrocytes/CC (4), eosinophils/CC (5), healthy cells/CC (6), lymphocytes/CC (7), segmented neutrophils/CC (8), stick neutrophils/CC (9), monocytes/CC (10); leucocytes/CC (11). Correct prediction of 5YS was 100% by neural networks computing (area under ROC curve=1.0; error=0.0).
CONCLUSIONS: 5YS of LCP after radical procedures significantly depended on: 1) PT early-invasive cancer; 2) PT N0--N12; 3) cell ratio factors; 4) blood cell circuit; 5) biochemical factors; 6) hemostasis system; 7) AT; 8) LC characteristics; 9) LC cell dynamics; 10) surgery type: lobectomy/pneumonectomy; 11) anthropometric data. Optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for LC are: 1) screening and early detection of LC; 2) availability of experienced thoracic surgeons because of complexity of radical procedures; 3) aggressive en block surgery and adequate lymph node dissection for completeness; 4) precise prediction; 5) adjuvant chemoimmunoradiotherapy for LCP with unfavorable prognosis.
- Video recording of this lecture in English language: https://youtu.be/lK81BzxMqdo
- Video recording of this lecture in Arabic language: https://youtu.be/Ve4P0COk9OI
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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTHCARE.pdfAnujkumaranit
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. It encompasses tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. AI technologies are revolutionizing various fields, from healthcare to finance, by enabling machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
These lecture slides, by Dr Sidra Arshad, offer a quick overview of physiological basis of a normal electrocardiogram.
Learning objectives:
1. Define an electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrocardiography
2. Describe how dipoles generated by the heart produce the waveforms of the ECG
3. Describe the components of a normal electrocardiogram of a typical bipolar leads (limb II)
4. Differentiate between intervals and segments
5. Enlist some common indications for obtaining an ECG
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 11, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 9, Human Physiology - From Cells to Systems, Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
3. Chapter 29, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
4. Electrocardiogram, StatPearls - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549803/
5. ECG in Medical Practice by ABM Abdullah, 4th edition
6. ECG Basics, http://www.nataliescasebook.com/tag/e-c-g-basics
1. health / body / life / soul
RETURN TO ARTICLE / PRINT
By Janet Horn, M.D., Lifescript Women’s Health Expert
Published January 24, 2010
Cervical Cancer Facts That'll Save Your Life
Cervical cancer is in the spotlight again: A new vaccine and updated Pap screening guidelines have
left women confused about how to protect themselves. In time for Cervical Health Awareness
Month, here are the answers to 10 common questions about the disease. Plus, test your women’s health
IQ with our quiz…
In 1950, the development and use of the Pap smear was a milestone in women’s health. The test became
a routine part of women’s preventive care, and cervical cancer deaths plunged almost 75% between 1955
and 1970. Still, nobody knew what caused cervical cancer.
Now we do. Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are the main cause of cervical cancer and the
fight is on to squash the disease. In most cases, cervical cancer can be prevented or cured – when caught
early.
Last October, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a second vaccine,
Cervarix, against some types of HPV: It's recommended for females 10-25 years old. That same month,
another HPV vaccine, Gardasil, which has been on the market since 2006 for girls and women to
prevent certain strains of HPV infection, was approved for males age 9-26, to fight penile cancer and
genital warts due to HPV, which could be passed on to their sexual partners.
In another development on the cervical health front, in December, the American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists (ACOG), a nonprofit of women’s health care doctors, issued broad new Pap test
guidelines. It recommended that women:
Begin Pap testing at age 21•
Who are 22-29 years old get Pap smears every two years•
Who are age 30 and older who have had three negative Pap smears in a row get Pap smears every
three years
•
Who have had a hysterectomy no longer have Pap smears if the hysterectomy was for non-
cancerous reasons and they don't have a history of severely abnormal Pap smears. If you have had
a hysterectomy but still have your cervix, you’ll need to continue routine Pap smears.
•
Who are age 65 and older skip Pap smear screenings if they’ve had three or more normal Pap
smears in a row and no abnormal test in the prior 10 years.
•
Of course, these recommendations aren’t the final word: They’re meant to be followed only if your
gynecologist agrees that they make sense for you and your medical history.
Still, it’s crucial for women to get the facts about cervical cancer. Here’s what you need to know:
«
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2. 1. Should I worry about getting cervical cancer?
You shouldn’t worry about getting cervical cancer but you should know how to prevent or detect the
disease early so it can be cured.
In 2005, about 12,000 American women were diagnosed with cervical cancer; about 4,000 died from
the disease, according to the latest statistics available from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).Although the cancer is most often diagnosed in women over 40 years old, the disease
grows slowly and starts many years before it’s detected. The good news is there are now methods to
detect cervical cancer in its earliest form.
2. Could I be at risk?
The main causes of cervical cancer are HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 – known as “high risk” types. There are
other "low-risk" strains of genital HPV that can cause benign warts but not cancer. All genital HPVs are
sexually transmitted.
Since infection is common – up to 40 million Americans may have genital HPV – any sexually active
woman may be at risk for the high-risk types and, thus, cervical cancer.
You may be at higher risk if:
You've had multiple sex partners and/or other sexually transmitted infections (STI), or partners
with a history of having multiple partners or STIs – making them more likely to have been
infected with HPV, especially those that lead to cancer.
•
You haven’t had regular Pap smears.•
You smoke cigarettes and have HPV or the above risk factors. (Tobacco has a carcinogenic effect
on HPV that hastens the cancer.)
•
You've taken corticosteroid medication (steroids) for a long time, have had an organ transplant,
are HIV-infected or have other conditions that suppress the immune system and have HPV
infection or the above risk factors.
•
You've taken birth control pills for longer than five years and have HPV infection or the first two
risk factors.
•
You've given birth to five or more children and have HPV infection or the first two risk factors.•
Your mother took diethylstilbestrol (DES) – prescribed from 1938-1971 to prevent miscarriages
or premature deliveries – when pregnant with you.
•
You don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, which is associated with an increased risk of
cervical and other cancers and have HPV infection or the first two risk factors.
•
3. What symptoms should I look for?
Usually, there are no symptoms in the early stages. As the cancer advances, the signs may include:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including longer, heavier periods; bleeding between periods; and
bleeding after menopause, sexual intercourse, douching or a pelvic exam
•
Increased vaginal discharge•
Pelvic pain•
Pain during intercourse•
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3. Other reproductive tract problems, such as a simple vaginal infection, can cause similar symptoms, so
women tend to ignore them. Don’t. See your doctor if any of the above symptoms last longer than a few
days or more than one or two cycles.
4. How can I protect myself against cervical cancer?
Protecting yourself against genital HPV infection will prevent cervical cancer. Here’s what you can do:
Get screened for HPV, especially if you have a new partner, or if your partner has STIs.•
Have regular Pap smears to detect abnormal or pre-cancerous cervical cells.•
Limit the number of sexual partners and have open discussions about STIs with a potential sex
partner. It could save your life.
•
Quit smoking. This is important for your general health too.•
Get the Gardasil or Cervarix vaccine if your doctor thinks it’s appropriate.•
Abstain from sex or use latex or polyurethane condoms. This is especially true if your partner has
a history of STIs, and especially HPV or genital warts.
•
Remember, condoms aren’t 100% effective at preventing STIs. Spermicide creams and jellies have not
been shown to uniformly prevent HPV infection, and, in some cases, increase the likelihood of infection
by causing sores in the vaginal area.
5. Should I get the HPV vaccine?
Gardasil is designed to protect against high-risk HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Cervarix protects against
HPV 16 and 18, which cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases.
Gardasil and Cervarix work best before you become infected, which is why the vaccine is FDA-approved
for girls as young as 9 years old, usually before they become sexually active.
Even if a woman has been HPV infected, the vaccine may protect against strains that she may not have
been exposed to. Women over age 26 who haven’t been infected also may benefit from the vaccine, so if
you’re older than that discuss inoculation with your doctor.
Get the cervical HPV test along with regular Pap smears, and talk to your doctor about your sexual
history to see if Gardasil or Cervarix is right for you.Since the FDA has approved Gardasil for boys and
young men, they should also get it to prevent passing HPV on to their sexual partners. Plus, Gardasil
also protects against penile cancer, which can be caused by HPV 16 and 18, and from warts, which can be
caused by HPV types 6 and 11.
6. How often should I get a Pap smear?
The new guidelines by ACOG recommend getting your first Pap smear at age 21, then every two years
through age 29, and then – if you’ve had three consecutive Pap smears that were normal – every three
years thereafter.
The recommendations also say that you can stop getting Pap smears if you’re 65-70 years old – if you’ve
had three consecutive Pap smears that were normal and no abnormal tests in the prior 10 years.
But please note: Not getting a Pap smear does NOT mean to stop getting pelvic exams.
There are four important points to know about the ACOG guidelines (Getting an HPV vaccination
doesn’t change these recommendations.):
They don’t apply to women who have tested positive for HPV, who have a history of cervical
cancer, who have HIV infection, who have suppressed immune systems or were exposed to DES
•
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4. in utero.
Your gynecologist should make the final decision as to whether these guidelines make sense for
you each time she sees you.
•
Women with histories of moderate or severe dysplasia (a possibly pre-cancerous abnormality) or
cancer should undergo annual screening for 20 years after treatment.
•
Even if you don’t need a Pap smear every year, you may still need a bimanual pelvic exam (also
known as an internal exam) more often than a Pap smear. This is especially true for women in
midlife and older since the risk for getting cancer of the uterus and ovaries increases with age,
and a pelvic exam is one of the few ways to catch these cancers early. You should discuss how
often you need a bimanual exam with your gynecologist.
•
Don’t wait for your next exam to see your gynecologist if you are experiencing any pelvic symptoms,
such as persistent pain. See your doctor when the symptoms are present.
A Pap test can be read as normal and cervical cancer missed. Or it may read as abnormal when the cervix
is normal. Either may need a repeat Pap or more tests. If abnormalities show up, your doctor will
recommend follow-up tests.
7. Does a Pap smear specifically test for HPV?
No. Cervical cells are collected and examined under a microscope for pre-cancerous abnormalities on a
Pap smear, but it doesn’t test for HPV.
The HPV test is officially recommended for all sexually active women older than 30; however, you
should get it – no matter what age you are – if you’re sexually active.The test is done at the same time as
a Pap smear by taking another sample of cervical cells with an instrument similar to a Q-tip. The HPV
test looks for the presence of the virus within the cells, but does not look at the cells themselves, as a Pap
test does.
Discuss your sexual history with your doctor, who, depending on your history, may recommend HPV
testing.
Because multiple sexually transmitted infections commonly travel together, if you’re sexually active and
concerned about HPV, you also may have been exposed to other sexually transmitted infections, such as
chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV. Get tested for these too.
8. Should I panic about an abnormal Pap smear?
Absolutely not. Any type of infection, including a common vaginal infection, can cause an abnormal Pap
smear. Even the way a smear is obtained can affect the way cervical cells look.
Of course, an abnormal Pap smear may indicate the presence of pre-cancerous cells. Treatment usually
prevents them from progressing to cancer. Occasionally, a test may show what are thought to be cancer
cells; at this point, your doctor will recommend further tests to see the extent of the cancer.
If your Pap smear is abnormal (or "positive"), your doctor may repeat it once, then again at regular
intervals.
She may also recommend a colposcopy, a procedure that enables her to look directly at your cervix
through a small microscope-like instrument inserted into the vagina. Several biopsies of your cervix will
then be taken to determine if cancer is present. This procedure is generally done in a doctor’s office and
may be somewhat painful, though usually only briefly.
9. If I’m diagnosed with HPV, does it mean I’m going to get cervical cancer?
No. An abnormal (or "positive") HPV test simply means that you probably have been infected with one,
or several, HPV types; it does not mean that this infection has caused cancer. And even if you’re infected
with a high-risk HPV, you still may not develop cervical cancer.
Page 4 of 5Your Top 10 Cervical Cancer Questions Answered
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