Around 65 New Zealand women die every year from cervical cancer, but these sad statistics don’t have to continue. There are several key ways to protect yourself against this deadly disease, which is one of the most preventable cancers. Here, we break down the basics.
What causes cervical cancer?
It’s caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection. It is estimated that up to 75 percent of sexually active adults will be infected with HPV at some time in their life. There are many different types of HPV, and the medical profession is still discovering how it operates. HPV also causes abnormal precancerous cells, which, if untreated, can result in cervical cancer.
How do you know if you have HPV?
Some types of HPV result in genital warts, but, equally, many people infected with the virus show no symptoms, so most people don’t know they have it – male or female. While a high level of sexual partners increases your risk, anyone who has ever been sexually active can contract it. It’s contracted as a result of normal sexual behaviour - any kind of sexual touching, not just intercourse. As it is a virus passed by skin contact, not fluids, condoms are not always effective as a prevention method. (It’s always a good idea to use condoms, but while they will lower your risk of contracting HPV and other sexually transmitted infections, they can’t eliminate the possibility.)
But it’s not all bad news. Simply getting regular smears tests dramatically reduces your chance of letting HPV go unchecked in your body. And there is a new vaccine that is proving to be very effective in preventing infection from the 4 common HPV types that cause the majority of cervical cancers and genital warts.
How do smears help prevent cervical cancer?
Having regular cervical smears can reduce a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer by 90 percent! A cervical smear test is a screen to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix. It’s a quick and simple procedure that takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, and there is a national screening programme that offers smear tests at medical clinics, family planning centres, student health services and community health clinics. (Just phone 0800 729 729 to find your best option.) Tests are recommended every three years, or more often if your health professional advises. About nine out of 10 smear results are normal. But an abnormal test result rarely means cancer. Abnormal cervical cells will need further examination (colposcopy), and, possibly, further treatment. The good news is that early treatment of abnormal cervical cells has a 98 percent to 100 per cent success rate, so it’s incredibly important to consistently get yourself checked.
How else can I defend myself against cervical cancer?
There is a new vaccine, Gardasil, that protects against the types of HPV that cause most cases of genital warts and cervical cancer. It is highly effective – clinical tests have shown it to be 99 to 10 per cent effective in preventing cervical cancer, pre-cancers and genital warts caused by the four HPV types in the vaccine. Gardasil has already been tested on more than 20,000 women worldwide, and has proven safety and efficacy. (However, every vaccine comes with the risk of some side effects; you can speak to your doctor or nurse if you have concerns. You can also visit www.bestshot.co.nz for more information.) .
Gardasil is indicated for girls and women aged 9 to 45 – even if you have been exposed to some strains of HPV, the vaccine can still be effective against other types of HPV.
In New Zealand, immunisation with Gardasil is free for young women aged 12 to 20, at school clinics, medical centres and GPs. (If you are outside the age group, you need to pay to have the vaccine.) Three vaccinations are required within a space of six months. As well as protecting yourself via the Gardasil vaccine, regular smear tests are still essential. Once you combine both defences against cervical cancers, you have an excellent chance of protecting your health.
