Certain cancers are linked to high-risk strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV strains causing cancer can now be eliminated. CANSA in association with the International Papilloma Virus Society, featured International HPV Awareness Day on 4 March to educate about HPV-related cancer.
HPV is Common
HPV is a very common virus. The virus lives on the skin and can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
It can only take one sexual encounter with a partner that may have contracted HPV for it to spread.
More than 90 percent of sexually active men and 80 percent of sexually active women will be infected with HPV in their lifetime.
Most of the time though, the body clears these infections and they do not lead to cancer.
Certain Strains Linked to Cancer
Around 50 percent of HPV infections involve certain high-risk types of HPV, which can cause cancer. These include cervical, anal and throat cancers.
HPV viruses No 16 and 18 are high-risk HPV strains responsible for most (about 70%) HPV-related cancers.
Some of the other high-risk HPV strains are responsible for the remainder of cervical cancer cases.
Certain strains of HPV cause genital warts in men and women.
HPV and Cervical Cancer
Close to 80% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV.
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix (the entrance or neck of the womb, situated at the top of the vagina).
This cancer is currently second most prevalent cancer among South African women.
Cervical Cancer Can Be Prevented
Cervical cancer can now be prevented and responds well to treatment when diagnosed early.
It is therefore shocking that it is responsible for the second most cancer deaths among women.
This is not necessary…
