Annually March 4, is seen as International HPV awareness day.Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is actually a group of viruses that are sexually transmitted.According to the International Papillomavirus Society, Roughly 600,000 people are diagnosed with H.P.V..-associated cancers each year. (4 March)HPV Awareness day helps spread information about H.P.V. HPV Awareness day also gives an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the cancer survivors that were affected due to this virus. The goal of HPV Awareness is to help everyone across the world to learn more about H.P.V. and take actionable steps toward stopping the spread of the virus.
WHAT IS HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus. We worry about HPV because some types can cause cancer. Other types can cause skin warts on the hands, feet, and genitals.H.P.V. is spread or transmitted through direct contact with a person who is infected. Infection is asymptomatic in most cases and the virus can be eliminated by the immune system before it develops a pathogenic effect. It can also lead to a persistent viral disease that can manifest in different ways. It can lead to cancer, lesions of the skin, and mucous membranes. Genital cancers such as cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, and penis can occur when the immune system fails to quickly eliminate the virus from the body.
IS HPV CURABLE?
There is not yet a cure for HPV,but there is a vaccine. If HPV causes abnormal cell changes, these can be treated to prevent cancer developing.Get the HPV vaccine at the recommended age
HPV can cause cancer of the:
- cervix (part of the womb; cervical cancer)
- anus (anal cancer)
- back of the throat (oropharynx) or mouth (oropharyngeal cancer)
- vulva and vagina (vulvar and vaginal cancer)
- penis (penile cancer)
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HPV INFECTION?
The types of HPV that can cause cancer usually don’t have any symptoms. This means you can get HPV and your immune system can get rid of it without you ever knowing you had it. If your body does not get rid of HPV, it can start to cause abnormal cell changes. These still usually don’t have symptoms.
PREVENTION AGAINST HPV RELATED CANCER & HPV VACCINE
- Get vaccinated to avoid getting HPV
- Go for cervical screening if it’s available. Cervical screening aims to detect the cell changes caused by HPV so that the abnormal cells can be removed before they can turn into cancer. Many countries offer cervical screening.
- Screening for changes caused by HPV in the anus is also available in some locations.
- If you smoke, try to stop. Smoking can make it harder for your immune system to get rid of HPV.
- If you have any symptoms or changes to your body that are unusual for you, such as pain in the anal or genital area, a new growth or lump, or bleeding, get them checked by a healthcare provider.
Vaccination can prevent 90% of cervical and anal cancers and most other cancers caused by HPV.Get the HPV vaccine at the recommended age (ideally before becoming sexually active).Over 200 million doses have been given. Serious side effects are very rare. You may have a sore arm at the site of the vaccine injection or feel dizzy. All government-approved HPV vaccines have been extensively and independently evaluated. All scientific evidence shows that these HPV vaccines are extremely safe. The World Health Organization (WHO) and virtually all countries in the world now recommend HPV vaccination. With hundreds of millions of doses distributed, no significant side effects have been identified other than the temporary reaction at the injection site.
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