How Is Cervical Cancer Transmitted?
Other People Are Reading
-
Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
-
The most common means that cervical cancer is transmitted is through a family of over 100 related viruses known collectively as Human Papillomavirus or HPV. Close to 75 percent of sexually active women will develop this sexually transmitted infection during the course of their lifetimes. These viruses can cause tumors and warts known as papillomas. Some of these warts, which generally grow on the hands and feet, are non-cancerous. Warts that grow near the genital and throat areas are considered high-risk for cancer. While post HPVs carry no symptoms and may even go away without treatment, approximately 10 percent of all infected women will develop precancerous changes in their cervical tissue. Of these, about 8 percent of women will develop cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer and other STDs
-
Exposure to HIV, Chlamydia, and other STDs increases can significantly increase a women's chances of developing cervical cancer. For instance, a lowered immune system caused by HIV causes the cells near the vagina, vulva and cervix to be more easily infected my cancer-inducing types of HPV.
-
Other Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer
-
A summary of the risk factors for contracting HPV include sexual activity, unprotected sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, exposure to another STD, mother or sister with HPV, and immunosupression through an HIV positive status or medication for lupus and asthma.
Cervical Cancer Prevention
-
The most effective form of prevention is to receive a vaccine called Gardasil. This drug, which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, blocks two cancer-causing strains of HPV. It also blocks two HPV types that are associated with warts and abnormal Pap tests.
-
Resources
- Photo Credit Cervical Cancer and Abnormal Tissue
