How much do you really know about HPV?

(Below are some myth or fact questions that will test how much you really know about HPV and cervical cancer)

1.  Myth or Fact:  The cause of cervical cancer is unkown.

Answer:  Myth--Unlike most types of cancer, the cause of cervical cancer is known.  Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

2.  Myth or Fact:  Cervical cancer can be prevented.

Answer:  Fact--Cervical cancer can almost always be prevented.  The key is early detection.  If abnormal cells caused by HPV are found while they are still pre-cancerous, they can be treated before they progress into cancer.  This is why it's important for all women to have a regular Pap test, and for women 30 years and older (the group most at risk) to routinely be tested for HPV as well.

3.  Myth or Fact:  A regular Pap test is enough to protect women against cervical cancer.

Answer:  Myth--While the Pap test has helped significantly decrease the number of cervical cancer cases, it is not perfect.  Some women with pre-cancerous cells are missed.  Having the HPV test along with their Pap can increase the ability to identify women at risk to nearly 100 percent.  Women under 30 should have the HPV test if their Pap results are inconclusive (not clearly normal, but not definitely abnormal either).

4.  Myth or Fact:  Women under 30 years of age do not usually need to have the HPV test as part of routine screening.

Answer:  Fact--HPV is very common in women under 30 and the virus usually goes away on its own without causing any problems.  In addition, cervical cancer is rare in this age group.  Thus, women under 30 do not usually need the HPV test unless their Pap is unclear-not definitely abnormal, but not clearly normal either.  In that case, an HPV test can help determine if the woman is at risk and needs to be further examined, or can rest assure.

5.  Myth or Fact:  Only women who have many sexual partners or whose partners are unfaithful need to be tested for HPV.

Answer:  Myth--Any woman who has had sex, even with just one partner, could have HPV and not even know it.  HPV is a very common virus.  About 8 out of 10 women will carry HPV at some point in time by the age of 50.

6.  Myth or Fact:  Women 30 years or olders who have a history of normal Pap tests still need HPV testing.

Answer:  Fact--The Pap test cannot tell you if you have HPV, and may miss some women with pre-cancerous cells.  In addition , HPV can remain dormant for years, without being detected.  That's why it is so important to get the HPV test along with your Pap once you turn 30, and to repeat it as recommended by your doctor.

7.  Myth or Fact:  If you have HPV, you will probably get cervical cancer.

Answer:  Myth--HPV is very common.  But cervical cancer is not.  Most HPV infections with go away on their own without causing any problems.

8.  Myth or Fact:  Women with HPV will experience warning symptoms.

Answer:  Myth--Most of the time, HPV infections have no symptoms.  Although low-risk types of HPV can cause genital warts, high-risk types often go completely undetected-that is, unless cancer develops.  That's why routine screening is so important.

9.  Myth or Fact:  Women do not need to ask for the HPV test.  Doctors or other healthcare providers will offer the test if they think a woman needs it.

Answer:  Myth--Doctors may not automatically offer the HPV test as part of routine screening for women 30 and older.  If you want the HPV test, it's recommended that you ask for it.

10.  Myth or Fact:  Women who are no longer sexually active should continue to be screened for cervical cancer.

Answer:  Fact--Women need to be screened for cervical cancer even if they stop having sex, or just have sex with one partner who also is monogamous.  That's because HPV can remain dormant long after the original exposure.  In addition, it may take 10-15 years for abnormal cell changes to develop into cancer.

Now that you know more about HPV, cervical cancer, and ways to prevent it, talk to your Doctor about getting tested and vaccinated.