HPV

This morning when I read the newspaper, I saw this obituary. I don't often read the obituaries, but sometimes one will stand out because of the young age of the person. Here is what it said (I deleted the last names):

Pamela lost her battle with cervical cancer in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 10, 2009; she was 38.Pam was an incredible mom to five amazing kids and wife to Ben, the love of her life. Pam was a bright star in a sometimes not-so-friendly world. People were drawn to Pam wherever she went.She was a best friend, great sister, loving daughter and just a joy to know. She was one of those people who made you feel special just because you are you. Her spirit was one of love, hope and absolute determination. Her positive, loving attitude was contagious and she always could make you laugh no matter the circumstances. She touched many and she will be sorely missed.She is survived by her husband Ben, her children: Austin, Torie, Dallen , and Masen Wake, and Ryker; her parents Ken and Sherry, many aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews, and her sidekick, her dog, Reload. She is also survived by a family she dearly loved, Ben's parents Kevin and Teri.

What a sad obituary. My heart goes out to the family of this young woman. Cervical cancer took the life of a beautiful young mother.

It isn't easy to talk about this topic, but for some it could be a matter of life or death. There is new information available about HPV if you are not aware of the recent advances taken to fight cervical cancer. Check out this information here. "A vaccine can now protect females from the four types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers and genital warts. The vaccine is recommended for 11 and 12 year-old girls. It is also recommended for girls and women age 13 through 26 who have not yet been vaccinated or completed the vaccine series....So the only sure way to prevent HPV is to avoid all sexual activity.
Individuals can also lower their chances of getting HPV by being in a mutually faithful relationship with someone who has had no or few sex partners. However, even people with only one lifetime sex partner can get HPV, if their partner was infected with HPV. For those who are not in long-term mutually monogamous relationships, limiting the number of sex partners and choosing a partner less likely to be infected may lower the risk of HPV. Partners less likely to be infected include those who have had no or few prior sex partners. But it may not be possible to determine if a partner who has been sexually active in the past is currently infected."

Good news! A vaccine designed to protect against the two most common cancer-causing types of the HPV virus is available! The first such HPV vaccine, called Gardasil® (developed by Merck & Co., Inc.), was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2006. Another, called Cervarix™ (made by GlaxoSmithKline, Inc.), is in developement. With the introduction of the first HPV vaccine, the dream of eliminating cervical cancer is increasingly within reach.

And this article:
Key Points About HPV:
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes.
There are about 100 types of HPV. Approximately 30 of those are spread through genital contact (typically sexual intercourse). Around 12 – called "low-risk" types of HPV – can cause genital warts. In addition, there are approximately 15 "high-risk" types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.
It is estimated that 80 percent of all women – and 50 percent of men and women combined – will get one or more types of "genital" HPV at some point in their lives.
Although risk factors like smoking can contribute to your chance of developing cervical disease, HPV must first be present.
Fortunately, in most people, the body's immune system fights off or suppresses the HPV virus before it causes problems. It is only when the infection persists that it can cause cells to become abnormal.
Infection with the most common types of "genital" HPV can be prevented with the HPV vaccine. However, vaccination is only fully effective if administered before a girl or young woman has been exposed to those types of HPV through sexual contact. In addition, the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. Thus, it is important to get a regular Pap and – if you're over 30 – an HPV test, even if you've been vaccinated. A Pap can identify abnormal cells, and the digene HPV Test detects the presence of 13 high-risk types of HPV. Together, they help make sure abnormal cells are diagnosed and treated early.

What can you do to prevent cervical cancer?

The best way to protect yourself is to get regular cervical cancer screenings with the Pap and – if you're older than 30 – the HPV test. Together, these tests determine if you are likely to have or to develop abnormal cells that could become cancerous if not removed. If your Pap looks abnormal and HPV testing shows you have an infection with a high-risk type of the virus, your doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional can perform an additional exam called a colposcopy to determine if any abnormal cells need to be removed.