HPV and Cervical Cancer
2022-12-19
- HPV (Human Papillloma Virus) has been established as the cause of cervical cancer. It is spread through close sexual contact.
- Most HPV infections are clear on their own but in some women the infection persists leading to the risk of progression of cervical cancer.
- Some HPV types carry a higher risk of causing cervical cancer (HR-HPV). These include HPV type 16&18 that cause >70% of cervical cancer.
- Testing for the presence of HPV allows a woman to know whether she is at risk or not . A woman who is not infected with HR-HPV is not at risk of developing cervical cancer.
- The HPV test ensures that those who are positive and at risk can be identified early and treated before they progress to cervical cancer