3 Facts About Cervical Cancer And HPV

Did you know? Cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly occurring cancer in women worldwide? And, of all cervical cancer cases, 99% are linked to high-risk Human Papillomaviruses (HPV). But, the good news is that a simple screening test can help in early detection and prevention!^1,2 

Moving ahead, let's learn some quick facts on “cervical cancer and HPV” in this article!

3 Must-Know Facts About Cervical Cancer And HPV

#Fact1: Cervical Cancers Occur Due To High-Risk HPV Genotype

HPV is the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) caused by having oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an infected person. Approximately 200 genotypes of HPV have been identified out of which 40 infect the genital area.^3,4 

In 9 out of 10 cases, HPV goes away on its own (within 2 years) without causing any issues.³ But, if the infection persists, it may cause health problems like genital warts (a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area) and cancer.³

Among women, cervical cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer. And, about 70% of cervical cancers occur due to high-risk HPV types 16 and 18. Let’s now see how exactly cervical cancer develops.^5,6

#Fact2: Cervical Cancer Takes 15-20 Years To Develop In Women With Normal Immunity¹

Cervical cancer develops in a woman’s cervix (a part of the reproductive system) that connects the vagina (birth canal) to the upper part of the uterus (womb). The cervix is covered with different cell types and is made up of two parts:^7,8

• Endocervix - An opening of the cervix that leads into the uterus and is covered with glandular cells (cell that makes mucous)
• Exocervix - The outer part of the cervix that is covered in squamous cells (cells that look like fish scales)

The point where these two cell types meet is known as the transformation zone. Cells in this zone do not directly transform into cancerous cells. Instead, they gradually develop abnormal changes that are termed precancerous. These pre-cancerous changes can be called Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN), Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (SIL), or dysplasia (which means abnormal cell growth on the surface of the cervix).⁸ And, when the pre-cancers are examined, they are graded based on how much of the cervical tissue looks abnormal on a scale from 1 to 3.⁸  

Cervical cancer can take as long as 15 to 20 years to develop in women with a healthy immune system. Whereas, in women with a weakened immune system, it may develop as quickly as 5 to 10 years.¹

#Fact3: A Simple Screening Test Can Help Detect It Early

One of the best ways to diagnose cervical cancer early is to get screened on a regular basis. The tests recommended for cervical screening are^9,10

• HPV test (looks for the HPV infection)
• Pap test (looks for cervical cell changes that might develop into cervical cancer)

Screening recommendations according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)¹⁰ are as follows -

A Takeaway Message On Cervical Cancer And HPV

Regular screening can prevent cervical cancer when detected early and managed effectively. If diagnosed in the later stages, you can control it with proper treatment and palliative care (improves the lives of patients who are living with a serious illness).²

Screening can enter your life like a knight in shining armour.

There are a number of screening tests available in the market. But, if you’re looking for a self-collection test kit, LifeCell’s HPV Test - Female is here to your rescue! It is an at-home vaginal swab collection kit which offers a confidential and convenient way to get screened for HPV. 

This kit will help you screen for some major high-risk HPV strains like 16, 18 and 45. In addition to this, it also screens for other high-risk genotypes of HPV like 26, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 39,51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 73, 82, 97, etc (specific genotype will not be provided in the test result).

So why wait? 

Order LifeCell’s HPV Test - Female right away!