HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention, Symptoms and Early Detection

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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.
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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 mens
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.
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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.
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Once these surpasses or havent clear immune
system then they infect the cervix skin by making
it abnormal.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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Types of HPV vaccines

• 1. Cervavac this is Indias 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.

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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.
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