HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention, Symptoms and Early Detection

1. HPV and Cervical Cancer: Prevention, Symptoms and Early Detection Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the leading diseases as well as a cause that poses significant health risks like cervical cancer globally. Due to the lack of awareness programs, there is a huge knowledge gap. According to the HPV Information Center, only 66% of the population is aware of this infection till now. According to UNICEF, every two minutes, a woman loses a battle against cervical cancer, and these are some alarming numbers.

2. HPV and Cervical Cancer What is HPV (Human Papillomavirus)? This is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases that can impact certain parts of the body including genitals, hands, mouth, and throat. Overall, there are 100 types of HPV, out of which 30 HPV strains can be found around genital areas. As per experts, men are most likely to get infected by HPV, because the men’s immune system does not effectively respond to HPV as women, and their genital area is more prone to micro-abrasion which becomes an entry point for the virus.

3. Facts: Common that everyone is most likely to experience (low-risk HPV). Low-risk one goes away without causing any issues. High-risk infections have the ability to cause infection. Vaccination can prevent cancer, but early detection is necessary. How is HPV linked with cervical cancer? High-risk strains like HPV 16 and 18 are linked with cervical cancer. These infect the cervical cells by interfering with them, leading to the multiplication of infected cells in an uncontrolled manner. But sometimes, these remain there and continue to grow which further forms precancerous cells. . Once these surpasses or haven’t clear immune system then they infect the cervix skin by making it abnormal.

4. Prevalence and Risk Factors As per NCBI research, around 6.6% of women in India have a high risk of HPV 16/18 infection, whereas 76.7% of patients are harbored with cervical cancer. Moreover, almost 60.3% of the Indian population is infected with HPV infection. Cervical cancer happens in the cervical cells which are connected to the uterus and to the vagina. This starts in the cervix and makes cervical tissue abnormal, leading to cancerous cells. The highest burden of the cases is in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Karnataka states. Currently in India, less than 1% of girls are HPV vaccinated and less than 2% of women have ever been screened, according to RGCIRC.

5. How HPV is transmitted (sexual and non-sexual transmission). Horizontal- It can happen through fingers, sexual activities, fomites, and mouth. Although viruses live up to 7 days on the surface they come in contact. Self-inoculation- is spread by touching objects, mother to child, or through general skin connection. Vertical transmission- it is transmitted from mother to newborn and generally spread through the placenta, amniotic fluid, or maternal genitalia during natural birth. Waterborne transmittal- although this is not proven specifically, some studies water HPV DNA in water habitats. Such as in sewage which might result when someone with strains scrubs their skin and mucous membrane or might create water due to urine or feces pollution. As per a 2015 study, infectious disease specialists collected a sample and found 56% sample infected.

6. Symptoms of HPV and Cervical Cancer Early-stage symptoms vs. advanced-stage symptoms. Early stage: Sometimes stage symptoms go unnoticed and do not show any symptoms, but there are some common symptoms that you can notice- – Genital warts: these are small white and flesh-colored bumps and cause itching sometimes around that area. It appears on the genital area and causes discomfort, bleeding, burning sensation, or bleeding during intercourse. – Plantar warts: it is found on the bottom of the foot and toes, and you can notice thick and rough skin, and black dots, and you feel pain around that area. It happens when the infection enters the skin through cuts or breaks.

7. Symptoms of HPV and Cervical Cancer Early-stage symptoms vs. advanced-stage symptoms. Early stage: Common warts: these are rough bumps on several parts of the body that are also painful and susceptible to injury. This happens when the skin produces too much keratin than usual which is also known as had protein. – Flat warts: these are smaller and smoother bumps on the skin. You can easily notice them as these are skin in color and appear on the neck, hands, or face.

8. Symptoms of HPV and Cervical Cancer Early-stage symptoms vs. advanced-stage symptoms. Advanced HPV symptoms: When the early-stage symptoms go unnoticeable and turn into a stage where they start to impact promptly, then it is time you should seek medical attention immediately. Here are some of the symptoms which will help you to know- Precancerous lesions If you found unexpected weight loss and started to feel fatigued all the time, then this indicates signs of disease. Feeling pain or discomfort after or during intercourse. Difficulty in urinary and bowel movements which is causing pain while performing these activities. Abnormal vaginal discharge and bleeding which have a foul smell.

9. Symptoms of HPV and Cervical Cancer Early-stage symptoms vs. advanced-stage symptoms. Precancerous lesions Started to have pain in the lower abdominal and pelvic area. Moreover, if you also feel pain and bleed from the rectum, then you might have a precancerous lesion which indicates the severe stage of HPV infection. To all, who started to have pain, or bleeding unexpectedly around the genital area, kindly consult with a professional and stop using any over-the-counter medication. You never know which issue you might be facing unless or until you visit a doctor.

10. Types of HPV vaccines 1. Cervavac: this is India’s only gender neutral HPV vaccine. Doctors recommend this to children above 9 to protect them from virus HPV types 6,11,16, and 18. The 2 doses of vaccine should be between the ages 1 to 14 and the 3rd dose scheduled for that age is between 15 to 26. The efficacy rate of this vaccine is 90% and shows a remarkable response in protecting from precancerous lesions due to HPV. 2. Cervarix: this is a mixture of HPV serotypes 16 and 18 along with L1 protein with AS04. The doses show a positive result with 90% efficacy. The purpose of this is to protect people from disease. This vaccination is prescribed to women aged between 9 to 45 and this is given in three doses in the course of 6 months. The most common side effect of this is mild fever, pain, and swelling around the injected area. It is highly recommended, even if you are vaccinated, still practice safe intercourse to avoid any sexually transmitted disease.

11. Conclusion Empowering others with knowledge is the best to create a healthier life for everyone. This will help society be more informed, and they can take steps to protect themselves. Encourage open conversation, or there are support groups also who are taking initiative towards the cause. Additionally, to all couples or singles, prioritize safe sexual activities and start adopting healthy habits in your life. From understanding the Signs of HPV to knowing about the stages of cervical cancer, everything is important. Contact Us Website - Cradle Children Hospital Phone +91 83770 10161