It is estimated that 70% of women and men will come into contact with HPV (Human Papillomavirus) during their life. Fortunately 80 to 90% of cases the human papillomavirus will be naturally eliminated.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a group of viruses that infect the skin. There are more than 100 different types of HPV. Some types of genital HPV may cause genital warts, while other types of genital HPV are linked to abnormal cell changes on the cervix (detected through Pap tests) that can lead to cervical cancer. However, this cancer can almost always be prevented through regular screening and, if needed, treatment of abnormal cell changes.
Who should have cervical cancer screening and how often?
You should start having cervical cancer screening at age 21 years. How often you should have cervical cancer screening depends on your age and health history.
What happens if I have an abnormal screening test result?
You most likely will have additional testing after an abnormal test result. This testing can be simply a repeat Pap test, an HPV test, or a more detailed examination called a colposcopy (with or without a biopsy). If results or follow-up tests indicate precancerous changes, you may need treatment to remove the abnormal cells.
More information on Cervical Cancer screening is available by following the following links:
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