Connection Between Cervical Cancer and HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

Medical research shows a strong link between HPV and cancer of the cervix. HPV is probably the most direct of cervical cancer causes. According to Michael Gold, Director of the Gynecologic Oncology division at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HPV in women is connected to up to 95 percent of all cervical cancer cases worldwide.

Cervical Cancer and HPV

The human papillomavirus family consists of over 100 different types of HPVHuman papillomavirus is passed during sexual intercourse or genital contact, and most sexually active people contract HPV in their lifetimes. In most cases of HPV in women, the immune system keeps it from developing into anything harmful. In a small percentage of women, however, HPV causes cervical cells to convert into precancerous cells, sometimes becoming cancerous ones.

No one knows why some women with HPV develop cervical cancer and others don't. Precancerous cell changes may even clear spontaneously in some cases. Some types of HPV are more aggressive than others, and more likely to be cervical cancer causes. Additionally, cigarette smoking doubles the risk of developing cervical cancer.

What is HPV in Women?

The human papillomavirus family consists of over 100 different "strains," or types, of HPV. These viruses can be as non-threatening as common warts on the hands or feet, while others may become cervical cancer causes. HPV studies are examining the connection between cervical cancer & HPV:
  • According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, HPV 16 and 18 produce two proteins that directly affect the growth of the infected host cells.
  • Some types of HPV in women can cause genital warts—cauliflower-like growths on the outer skin of the genitals of men or women. These "low-risk" lesions and aren't linked with cancer. Other types of HPV, however, are considered "high-risk" strains, and have been associated with cervical cancer.
  • Two of the most "oncogenic" (cancer causing) types of HPV are HPV 16 and 18, which are found in over 90 percent of cases of cervical cancer. Other "high-risk" strains of HPV include 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68 and 73.
  • While most women with cervical cancer have HPV, not all women with HPV will develop cervical cancer.

HPV and Cancer Screening

The human papillomavirus can live in the body for many years without causing any symptoms. This is why having regular Pap smears to detect changes in cervical cells is important. Pre-cancerous cells or early stage cancer can be isolated and destroyed to prevent metastasis to other parts of the body.

The HPV Vaccine

The Gardasil® HPV vaccine is now available to help prevent cervical cancer & HPV. This HPV vaccine helps create immunity to four kinds of HPV that cause 70 percent of cervical cancer, and two that cause 90 percent of genital warts. Here is some basic information about the HPV vaccine:
  • According to the American Medical association, 6 percent of those who received the HPV vaccine were hospitalized, permanently disabled or died. Blood clots and fainting also occur more frequently than expected.
  • Females aged 9 to 26 may receive the HPV vaccine.
  • Females who are sexually active may still benefit from the HPV vaccine, since they may not have been exposed to all four viruses.
  • The HPV vaccine causes side mild effects, including headache, fever and an upset stomach.
  • The HPV vaccine protects against HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18.
Resources

CBS Interactive Staff. (2009). Is the HPV vaccine safe? Retrieved February 27, 2010, from the CBS Evening News Web site: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/08/18/eveningnews/main5250640.shtml.

Friends and Families Staff. (2003). Urine test for cervical virus seen as promising. Retrieved August 29, 2003, from http://www.friendsandfamilies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2383.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). How does HPV cause cervical cancer? Retrieved February 27, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cervical-cancer/AN00386.

Merck Staff. (2009). Common questions answered. Retrieved February 27, 2010, from the Gardasil Web site: http://www.gardasil.com/what-is-gardasil/information-on-gardasil/index.html.

National Cancer Institute Staff. (2008). Human Papillomaviruses and Cancer: Questions and Answers. Retrieved February 27, 2009, from the National Cancer Institute Web Site: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV.

OncoLink Staff. (2003). Women unaware of viral link to cervical cancer. Retrieved August 18, 2003, from http://cancer.med.upenn.edu/resources/article.cfm?c=3&s=8&ss=23&Year=2003&Month=8&id=9980.

Sanders, C. (n.d.). New HPV screens help uncover cervical cancer risks. Retrieved March 1, 2010, from the Nashville Medical News Web site: http://nashville.medicalnewsinc.com/new-hpv-screens-help-uncover-cervical-cancer-risks-cms-2174.

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