PIC Current

by Alexis Cala, PIC Current Assistant Producer

Courtesy of Euthman

Last month, an explosion of pink reminded everyone about the importance of awareness and prevention. Did you know that all women are at risk for cervical cancer and HPV? Fortunately, there are measures you can take to keep you and your loved ones healthy.

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are viruses that may cause papillomas, which are non-cancerous tumors. HPV is passed through sexual contact and is the main cause of cervical cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2008, 11,070 U.S. women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer
• Approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV
• 6.2 million people become newly infected each year
• At least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.

What does HPV look like?

HPV can look like genital warts, or it can look like nothing at all. There are many types of HPV. Most people who become infected never even know they have it.

Getting regular checkups and talking to your doctor makes it easier to identify and treat early signs of disease.

Warning signs of HPV:

• Genital warts
• Cervical cell changes (may be early signs of cervical cancer, and can be found in a pap test)

HPV-related diseases:

• Cervical cancer
• Other HPV-related cancers

How do I protect myself or my daughter from HPV?

Cervical Cancer Screenings

Pelvic exams (Pap tests) are recommended once every three years and are one of the most reliable and effective cancer screening tests available.

• The Pap test looks for cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated.
• The HPV test looks for the virus that can cause cell changes and helps your doctor determine the next steps in screening.

HPV Vaccine

Gardasil, the HPV vaccine, can prevent most forms of cervical cancer and HPV diseases! Gardasil does not treat HPV or cervical cancer, but it is one step closer to preventing a disease that affects thousands. You can read our full post, about the benefits of Gardasil and what it means for women all over.

Here are a few of the basics you should know about Gardasil:

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gardasil in 2006
• Approved for females age 9 to 26 who do not have HPV
• The vaccine is given in three doses $120 per dose
• Prevents HPV-related diseases (warts, cervical cancer, etc.)

While most health care plans cover recommended vaccinations and screenings, others may not. If you cannot afford the vaccines, you may still have a few options:

• The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides free vaccines to children that are eligible
• There are State programs and family planning health centers, such as Planned Parenthood, that offer screenings and Gardasil to women for low or no cost.
• The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) serves low income, uninsured women by providing free or low cost screenings. Check your area for local programs.

For more information on HPV, please visit:

The CDC
The Beehive
National Cancer Institute

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