Lifestyles Ideas Management - What should women know about ...

From: http://theHPVtest.com
HPV Uncovered
· HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus.
· There are approximately 100 strains of HPV.
· Many women can fight off the infection, but in some, HPV lingers and causes abnormal cells to form, which then can develop into cervical cancer.
· Digene’s HPV Test detects the DNA of 13 high-risk types of HPV.

Cervical Cancer and HPV
· Cervical cancer is the only cancer for which there is a specific cause – high-risk” strains of HPV.
· HPV is responsible for virtually all cases of cervical cancer.
· Women age 30 and over are at the greatest risk for developing cervical cancer.
· The HPV test allows women at high risk for cervical cancer to be identified and monitored carefully.

HPV test v. Pap Test
· Women should receive a Pap test three years after sexual intercourse or by age 21.
· Pap tests are subject to human error because a lab technician manually examines cervical cell samples.
· The HPV test is recommended if a Pap comes back inconclusive or abnormal.
· The HPV Test is FDA approved for women age 30 and over.
· Virtually 100 percent of all cervical cancer cases are detected by combining the HPV and Pap tests.
· The HPV test is done at the same time as the Pap, so women don’t need to do anything more than ask for it.
· Majority of insurance companies cover the HPV test for routine screening.
· If the results of the HPV and Pap are normal, the HPV test only needs to be repeated once every three years.

HPV Vaccine, Gardasil
· The vaccine protects women against two high risk type of HPV; there are 13 strains that cause cervical cancer.
· To be fully effective, the vaccine should be administered before a women’s first sexual experience.
· The vaccine is approved for girls ages 9 to 26.
· Even with Gardasil, women still need a regular Pap, and depending on their age, the HPV test.
· It is unknown if a “booster” vaccine will be needed later in life to ensure continued protection.