Papillomavirus, Pap-Test and vaccinations: preventing cervical cancer
Human papillomavirus may be related to the development of uterine cancer and its presence can be diagnosed with a pap smear. Some strains of human papilloma virus can be treated with the vaccine.
Il papilloma virus
What is Papilloma Virus?
There are more than 100 types of this virus, some live in our skin, others are found in the mucous membranes (genital organs). Fortunately, in 90% of cases it is eliminated naturally from the body but some can cause various pathologies.
How do Papillomaviruses work?
There are “high-risk” types of viruses that can turn normal cervical cells into abnormal cells.
In some cases, over a long period of time, these abnormal cells can develop into cancer.
Are they widespread?
It is estimated that around 75% of people (women and men) will come into contact with the virus in their lifetime.
How is the Human Papillomavirus transmitted?
The virus is easily transmitted through sexual contact, even if not complete. The condom, which must always be used for sexually transmitted diseases, does not give complete protection against this virus.
Who can get cervical cancer?
Any woman infected with Human Papillomavirus could develop cancer.
40% of women who develop this type of tumor are between the ages of 35 and 54, the result of an infection probably acquired about 20 years earlier.
What other diseases can papillomavirus cause?
Some types of viruses cause genital warts, non-malignant lesions, but very annoying and difficult to treat.
He pap test
What is the Pap Test?
It is the collection of a sample of cells that allows to detect those anomalies of the neck of the uterus that precede the tumor.
This test is offered every 3 years to all women between the ages of 35 and 64.
It is a simple and effective way to identify any anomalies early.
Indeed, if diagnosed early, cervical cancer can be treated successfully.
The vaccination
How can you protect yourself from cervical cancer?
Although the Pap-Test allows many women’s lives to be saved through early diagnosis, today a vaccine is available ( there are two vaccines, Gardasil® and Cervarix® ) which, if carried out at a young age, before starting sexual, protects against infection against some strains of Papillomavirus.
When is it appropriate to get vaccinated?
Adolescence, before having come into contact with the virus, is the most appropriate time to undergo this vaccination.
At this age, the vaccine is most effective.
Vaccination in Italy is recommended and offered free of charge to adolescents of both sexes, preferably around the age of 12
Is the vaccine safe?
From the studies carried out so far, the vaccine has generally proved to be well tolerated .
The most common adverse event was pain at the injection site followed by swelling and erythema: overall, fever was more frequent.
Will vaccination eliminate the need for a Pap test?
The vaccine protects against the types of Papillomavirus most frequently responsible for cervical cancer, but not against all.
The Pap Test will therefore continue to be an indispensable check-up for every woman.
Vaccination and the Pap-Test represent today the most effective and complete modality for the prevention of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer
What is the neck of the uterus or cervix?
It is the part that connects the body of the uterus to the vagina.
What is the frequency of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer represents, in Europe, the second cause of death from cancer among women aged between 15 and 44 years, after that of the breast.
In Italy, about 3,500 new cases and 1,500 deaths are diagnosed each year; in Veneto about 200 new cases a year.
What is the cause?
In most cases it is a virus: the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.