Health Update

The adage, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing” is so true, especially when it involves your life and your health. Myths and misconceptions about certain diseases san be deadly. Unfortunately for some, many erroneous beliefs have benn quickly passed on like the common cold.

Such is the case with cervical cancer and HPV (human papillomavirus) infections. Many people believe that a young woman will never be threatened with HPV infection or cervical cancer, just as long as she stays morally upright and never ‘sleeps around.’ This kind of thinking is so deadly wrong.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can infect both men and women. In 2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that about 30630 million people in the world (9%-13%) were infected with HPV. And because people with HPV may not show any signs of symptoms, an infected person can easily transmit the virus to his/her spouse or partner without even knowing it. So, even if a young bride were to remain pure and untouched until her wedding day, there is no guarantee that she will remain 100% free from HPV infections or cervical cancer – if the husband is already infected or gets infected in the future.

Besides being common, HPV is also very contagious. It is possible even if a person has been exposed to the virus only once. However, it is estimated that most people get HPV within their first 2 to 3 years of becoming sexually active. According to the WHO, ywo-thirds of all people who have sexual contact with an infected partner will develop HPV infection within 3 months. Although it is more likely to get HPV through any kind of sexual activity involving genital contact, it is also possible to get the virus without having intercourse.

For women, HPV infection is a major health concern, “high risk” types of HPV (such as types 16 and 18) can cause cervical cancer, while some HPV types (types 6 and 11) may also cause abnormal cervical cells and genital warts. Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.

For Asian women, HPV infection and cervical cancer should be a major concern. In an international study conducted in 1989-1992 involving women with cervical cancer in 22 countries, it was found that 96 percent of the women with cervical cancer in South Asia (Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand) were infected with HPV, primarily types 16 and 18. In the Philippines, 10 women die every day because of cervical cancer.

Although staying in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner tremendously helps reduce the risk of HPV infections, these are added ways for women to protect themselves against cervical cancer and certain HPV infections. Beside seeing a gynecologist regularly for Pap screening tests (at least once a year), young women and girls can also protect themselves by getting immunized. The quadrivalent human papillomavirus recombinant vaccine developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) has been found in clinical trials to be nearly 100-percent effective in preventing cervical cancer associated with the most common types of HPV. The vaccine has been proven to prevent cervical cancer, precancerous and low-grade lesions, and genital warts caused by HPV types 6,11,16 & 18. The vaccine can be administered to females aged 11 to 26 years old. Many pediatricians today have included this vaccine as part of their patients’ immunization program.

So, to protect your life and your health, it is crucial to get all your facts from reliable sources. See your gynecologist (or pediatrician) for more information.

Source: Philippine Star