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Cervical Cancer and HPV Infection Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women throughout the world. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2005 there will be about 10,370 new cases of cervical cancer in the United States, and 3,710 deaths attributed to it. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is currently the most common sexually transmitted viral infection in the United States, are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases. Anyone who has ever had sexual relations has a chance of being exposed to the HPV virus. At this time, clinical trial results for HPV vaccines show promise, but are not yet available to the public. The number of deaths from cervical cancer has decreased due to regular cervical cancer screenings and effective treatment. Since the introduction of the Papanicolaou (Pap) test, cervical cancer mortality has decreased by over 70 percent. A Pap test can detect pre-cancerous and cancerous cells on the cervix. Regular Pap testing and careful medical follow-up and treatment can help ensure that pre-cancerous changes in the cervix caused by HPV infection do not develop into life-threatening cervical cancer. For more information regarding cervical cancer and HPV infection, please contact your health care professional at the Cresco Medical Clinic at 563.547.2022, toll free 1.888.547.5474 or the Lime Springs Medical Clinic at 563.566.2243, toll free 1.800.593.5463. (Information for article obtained from the following web sites: www.cancer.org; www.cdc.gov; and www.TargetHPV.org.) Cresco Medical Clinic |
Tanya Vreeke, DO