Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/C3GiruILi3M/

Women can now screen at home for cervical cancer risk by testing for the presence of a dangerous Human Papilloma Virus or HPV.  HPV is actually a family of more than 100 viruses of various types some of which can cause cancers including cervical cancer.  The two types most often associated with cancer include HPV 16 and HPV 18, but 12 types in all are known to be cancer-related.

HPV can be spread via sexual activity, and the CDC reports that nearly ALL sexually-active persons are infected with HPV.  Half of these HPV infections involve high-cancer-risk HPV types.  Most HPV infections are eliminated by the immune system but some persist.  If an HPV infection by a high-risk HPV type persists, it can trigger cancer.

HPV vaccination is recommended for all boys and girls at age 11 but can be given to anyone under the age of 45.  Most persons have been infected by HPV by age 27 making the vaccine less useful.  The Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against the 7 HPV types that trigger most HPV-related cancers and they are 16,18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.

It is possible to self-test for an HPV infection at home using a test kit that may be purchased on amazon.com or at walmart.com.  The test kit includes a vaginal swab that is used to obtain a secretion sample and mailed in.  Thereafter, you will receive a lab report telling you if a worrisome HPV infection is present.  If so, you notify your medical team for appropriate therapy.  This self-test is not available in some states including NY, NJ, RI, and MD.  If the kit is not available, your medical team can conduct an office HPV test.  All those who may be sexually active with multiple partners should have periodic HPV tests.

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer

#hpv #hometesting #cervicalcancer #gardasil #std