New HPV test no cure for the Pap
Reports from the The New England Journal of Medicine that DNA tests for the human papillomavirus (HPV) -” a major cause of cervical and throat cancer -” could make Pap smears a thing of the past have been rejected by ACON’s lesbian health project officer as an insufficient approach to dealing with cervical cancer.
A newly released study, based on trials on 130,000 women followed over eight years, has suggested that a DNA test every three to five years is a more effective tool for detecting cervical cancer than the established Pap smear screening method.
ACON’s Lesbian Health Project Officer Siri May has warned against promoting this as the single approach to cancer screening.
The idea is in its germinal stages but my concern over that is that we’ve struggled for such a long time to encourage women to go in for regular Pap smears, May said.
You can’t dress Pap smears up as anything but uncomfortable but it’s necessary to capture any cellular change early, and while HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer there needs to be a distinction between the virus and cancer. There’s a whole range of risk factors that contribute to the possibilities of cervical cancer including smoking and your hereditary disposition and this test wouldn’t test for those factors.
The DNA test for HPV is not yet commercially available.
info: To learn more about ACON’s women’s health services or lesbian-friendly doctors visit acon.org.au.
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i am now more careful about having unprotected sex because my bestfriend got infected with HPV last year. it was a horrible and painful experience for her.
This is really great information. I have found that there is a lot of misinformation on the internet about health issues therefore I appreciate your great content. I find that regular activity, such as running, is good for your health and will help you keep fit. Personally I love starting my day with some simple yoga exercises. This will even help keep you fit in the bedroom. The only other issue you have to be aware of is your sexual health. Especially the HPV Virus seems to be up and coming but an infection can easily be avoided if you have informed yourself about this subject. What does anyone else think on this?
it is good to know that at least the HPV Vaccine can prevent most cases of Cervical Cancer.
everyone should get an HPV Vaccine and always practice safe sex to avoid genital warts.