HPV & Cervical Cancer Frequently Asked Questions HPV & Cervical Cancer Prevention 2009 International Toolkit

2 What is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, the part of the uterus or womb that opens to the vagina. Before widespread use of the Pap test in the 1950s, cervical cancer was the leading cause of cancer death in American women. Today in the U.S., the Pap test has helped reduce cervical cancer death rates by 74%.

3 Burden of Disease Worldwide, cervical cancer affects 490,000 women and causes more than 270,000 deaths per year. 80% of women dying from cervical cancer reside in developing countries. In the U.S., cervical cancer affects more than 11,000 women and causes approximately 4,000 deaths per year.

4 Barriers to Prevention Cervical cancer disproportionately affects minority women and those with lower income. According to a National Cancer Institute survey of 3,000 women: Only 40% had heard of HPV. Less than 50% knew of HPV’s link to cervical cancer. Many developing countries lack the access to and availability of vaccines and screening technologies.

5 What causes cervical cancer? A virus – the human papillomavirus, or HPV – is the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a highly common sexually transmitted virus that usually goes away by itself without symptoms or treatment. 50% to 80% of all men and women will have HPV at some point in their lives.

6 What causes cervical cancer? (Continued) Most infections will not develop into cervical cancer, are only temporary and will go away without treatment. Two types of HPV: Low-risk – can cause genital warts. High-risk – can lead to cancer. If the infection persists, pre-cancerous cells may form. Cervical cancer may develop if: A woman’s immune system does not destroy the infection and pre- cancerous cells. The pre-cancerous cells are not found and treated.

7 What are the risk factors For HPV & Cervical cancer? Immune suppression or HIV infection Cigarette smoking Sexual activity beginning at an early age Multiple sex partners Chlamydia infection Diet low in fruits and vegetables Since cervical cancer is caused by HPV, any woman who is sexually active can be diagnosed with cervical cancer. HPV transmission occurs with skin-to-skin contact. Condoms may reduce the risk of HPV, but they do not fully protect against the virus. Other contributing risk factors for HPV and cervical cancer include: Overweight or obese Oral contraceptives Multiple pregnancies Low socioeconomic status Family history of cervical cancer

8 Does HPV have symptoms? In most cases HPV does not symptoms. HPV test – the only way to detect a high-risk HPV infection. Signs of an HPV infection may appear weeks, months, or years after the infection. Cervical cell changes – that result from an HPV infection and may lead to cancer – can only be detected by a Pap test. These changes do not have symptoms.

9 Can hpv be treated? There is no treatment for HPV. There are treatments for cervical cell changes that HPV can cause. Women with such changes should discuss treatment options with their doctor.

10 What are the symptoms of Cervical cancer? Cervical cancer or early cervical pre-cancers often have no signs or symptoms. Early symptoms may include: Any unusual discharge from the vagina Blood spots or light bleeding when you're not having your period Bleeding after menopause Bleeding or pain during sex The symptoms do not necessarily mean a diagnosis of cervical cancer – these may occur for other reasons. Women with any of these symptoms should contact their doctor immediately.

11 Can cervical cancer be treated? Cervical cancer can be treated with: Surgery Radiation and/or Chemotherapy Women diagnosed with cervical cancer should discuss treatment options with their doctor.

12 A few things to remember 50% to 80% of all men and women will have HPV at some point in their lives. Most infections will not develop into cervical cancer, are only temporary and will go away without treatment. Cervical cancer: Largely preventable – regular screening, changing or avoiding certain risk factors, and vaccinations are essential. Caused by a common virus – the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Does not usually have symptoms.

13 References American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; American Cancer Society. Cervical Cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Food and Drug Administration. Gardasil (human papillomavirus quadrivalent [types 6, 11, 16, 18] vaccine, recombinant). Food and Drug Administration. HPV (human papillomavirus). GlaxoSmithKline. National Cervical Cancer Public Education Campaign. Naucler P, Ryd W, Törnberg S, Strand A, Wadell G, Elfgren K, et al. Human papillomavirus and Papanicolaou tests to screen for cervical cancer. New England Journal Medicine 2007; 357: Nobelförsamlingen. The discoveries of human papillomaviruses that cause cervical cancer and of human immunodeficiency virus. nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2008/adv.pdf. World Health Organization. Cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HPV vaccines – Key points for policy-makers and health professional. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO;

HPV & Cervical Cancer Frequently Asked Questions HPV & Cervical Cancer Prevention 2009 International Toolkit