|
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
The main cause for cervical cancer is a virus. It is called
HPV. This stands for human papillomavirus (pronounced
pap-ih-LO-ma-VYE-rus).
- HPV is a virus spread through sexual contact.
- You can be infected with HPV and not know it. You will
not feel the virus or see it. Usually there are no symptoms.
- Most HPV infections go away on their own. But some
may not. The infections that do not go away can lead to
cell changes in the cervix. These cell changes can lead to
cervical cancer.
- The Pap test can often find changes caused by HPV
before they lead to cervical cancer.
| HPV can be transmitted through sexual contact, even
when a condom is used. |
Doctor Vargas: "Some women wonder if they can
get HPV through forms of intimate contact other
than vaginal sex. The answer is yes. HPV can be
spread through vaginal and anal intercourse; finger
to genital contact; and finger to anal contact."
|
Depending on the results of your Pap test, your doctor may
do an HPV test. It is important to follow up with your
doctor on all test results.
|
Rosa: I have only had sex
with one person. Do I have to
get a Pap test?
|
|
Doctor Vargas:
Yes. Women
should get
regular Pap tests
even if they
have had only one partner.
HPV is a very common
virus. Someone could have it
and not know it.
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