Human papilloma virus (HPV) is directly responsible for up to 80% of cervical cancers detected in Australian women.
The vast majority of HPV strains go undetected and unnoticed and are quickly destroyed by our immune systems.
Although almost 250 strains of HPV have been detected, only 4 of them have been found to lead to cervical cancer. Of these, #16 and #18 are the most dangerous.
Cervical cancer is treatable in its early stages, but the problem is that it often goes undetected until the cancer is well advanced and inoperable. The HPV strains that cause cervical cancer can sit dormant for long periods of time while they slowly alter the structure of cervical cells.
Therefore, it is critical for all women between the ages of 18 and 60 who are sexually active to have regular Pap tests. A Pap smear can detect the presence of abnormal cells so that further investigations can be conducted.
» Read more: HPV Vaccine – The Controversy Continues to Rage
