January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
Human
Papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted disease, infects
6.2 million men and women each year; 50% of all sexually active women will
be infected with HPV in their lifetime.
HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact and is most
efficiently passed via penetrative sexual contact. Condom use can decrease
the efficiency of transmission; however, they cannot offer complete
protection from this particular STD because infection can occur on genital
areas not covered by the condom.
The most common clinical manifestations of HPV are genital warts and
cellular abnormalities on the cervix. An estimated 1.4 million Americans
have genital warts at any one time, which equates to 1% of the sexually
active population.
The most serious manifestation of HPV is cancer precursors, which can
lead to cervical cancer in women. Cervical cancer is over 90% curable in
women if caught early. The best defense against cervical cancer is regular
pap screenings.
Unfortunately, half of the women that develop cervical cancer have never
had a pap test. In Colorado, the cumulative lifetime risk of invasive
cervical cancer is 1 in 140. The rate of cervical cancer in the Colorado
Hispanic population is twice that of non-Hispanic whites.
What can you do?
Refer yourself, your sister, daughter, colleague, friend, or client to
get a pap test.
Educate loved ones about the risks associated with unprotected sex and
pick up some condoms and brochures on HPV at the Boulder County Public
Health (BCPH) Longmont and Sundquist sites. Or call BCPH directly
at 303-413-7522 to request a pamphlet.
Additional Resources:
|
