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Teenage
HPV and PAP smears, a matter of life or death
TEEN EDITORIAL
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
In schools, children are taught about the different sexually transmitted diseases, viruses and infections. However, one very important cancer-causing virus is oftentimes left out of the Biology lesson - the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Human papillomavirus, is a group of over 100 infections that are frequently symptom free.
Approximately 30 per cent of this group are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that result in contact from an infected partner. One cannot prevent HPV by using condoms, since the virus may be present on skin surrounding the genitals.
Genital human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection and it poses a significant health problem, especially as it relates to the adolescent population.
This virus can affect both male and female, however, the consequences are far more severe for females as HPV can lead to cancer of the cervix. It was recently revealed that cervical cancer kills four Jamaican women each week. That is quite an alarming figure and this is why now more than ever Jamaicans need to be properly educated about HPV. It is important that the Government, through the Ministry of Health, heightens the awareness of the severity of the problem, so that women especially understand how serious it is.
Since HPV and cervical cancer are often symptom-free, a woman may have cervical cancer and not even know it. Most TEENagers with HPV do not know they have it. If genital warts are present on the external genitals then this is something that can most definitely be treated. However, the Type of HPV related to cervical cancer is different from the type that causes genital warts.
The PAP smear is the best screening test available to identify early cervical abnormalities associated with HPV. Precancerous lesions can be treated, so sexually active TEENs should get a PAP smear done regularly.
A PAP smear will detect viral infections and other cancer-causing conditions. Early treatment of these conditions can stop cervical cancer before it develops.
Many women have never done a pap smear because they are afraid it will hurt or they just don't think it is important. Ladies, a PAP smear is almost painless, cervical screening is recommended yearly starting when a woman is 18 years old or when she becomes sexually active. A PAP smear is very important as it can help to determine whether you live or die.
There is also an anti-HPV vaccine called Gardasil that is now available; doctors recommend that girls between the ages of 10 and 14 get vaccinated to help protect them against HPV.
TEENage fully supports this practice.
Parents should view the HPV vaccine as important as all the other vaccines that their children receive.
Jamaicans on a whole should stop taking HPV lightly, not because the symptoms cannot be felt, the fact of the matter is that the virus is still there and early detection can prevent a woman from developing cervical cancer.
The prevention of the HPV infection is what is most important. Do not be misguided by the myths associated with HPV and other sexually related infections, get yourself educated by reading more and talking to your gynaecologist about issues that may affect you.
Your health is YOUR responsibility.
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