The Facts About HPV
HPV is a virus you may not know about but you should. By getting the facts about HPV now, you’re taking the first step towards helping to protect against it.
There are 30 – 40 types of Genital HPV. Types 16 and 18 cause 70% of all cervical cancer cases. Types 6 and 11 cause 90% of all Genital Warts cases.
Know the facts.
Cervical Cancer is Caused By HPV, Commonly Types 16 & 18
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina). Unlike other cancers, cervical cancer is not hereditary. It’s caused by certain types of a virus, human papillomavirus (HPV).
When a woman becomes infected with one of these types of HPV, and the virus doesn’t go away on its own, abnormal cells can develop in the lining of the cervix.
If these cells are not found early, precancerous cells and then cancer can develop.
Cervical Cancer: It’s Not Too Early to Think About It
Based on American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates, about 30 women a day were diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States in 2008. While half of all women diagnosed with cervical cancer are between 35 and 55 years old, many of these women could have been initially exposed to cancer-causing HPV in their teens and 20s.
There Are More Than 30 Types of Genital HPV
The types of HPV that cause cervical cancer are different from the types that cause genital warts. All HPV types that affect the genital area can cause abnormal Pap tests.
80% of Women Will Have Had HPV in Their Lifetime
Both men and women can have HPV, and it is easily spread. Any type of genital contact with someone who has HPV can put you at risk — intercourse isn’t necessary. And since there are often no signs or symptoms, many people don’t know they are passing it on. There are about 6 million new cases of genital HPV in the United States each year. There are more than 30 types of genital HPV, and most will clear on their own. But for some women who don’t clear certain types of the virus, cervical cancer can develop. And there’s no way to predict who will or won’t clear the virus.
Genital Warts, Another Disease Cause by HPV
While certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer, other types can cause genital warts. Genital warts are usually soft, flesh-colored growths that can be raised or flat, small or large, alone or in clusters. There are an estimated 1 million new cases of genital warts eachyear in the United States.* While genital warts are not life threatening, they can be life altering. There are a number of ways to treat genital warts, including creams, removal by burning, freezing, or laser, and surgery. However, even after treatment, genital warts can return. In fact, 25% of cases return within 3 months.
More Facts About HPV
HPV FACTS: #1
HPV is short for Human Papillomavirus.
HPV FACTS: #2
About 30 types of HPV affect the genital area.
HPV FACTS: #3
There are 4 types of HPV that cause the most HPV diseases in women, types 16, 18, 6, and 11.
HPV FACTS: #4
An estimated 8 out of 10 women will become infected with HPV in their lifetime.
HPV FACTS: #5
Every day, about 12,000 people ages 15 to 24 are infected with HPV.
HPV FACTS: #6
For most, HPV clears on its own. But for some women, cervical cancer can develop.
HPV FACTS: #7
Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of HPV (types 16, 18).
HPV FACTS: #8
Every year, thousands of women learn they have cervical cancer.
HPV FACTS: #9
HPV often has no signs or symptoms.
HPV FACTS: #10
You can get HPV without even knowing it.
HPV FACTS: #11
You don’t have to actually have sex to get HPV.
HPV FACTS: #12
Condoms may not fully protect against HPV.
HPV FACTS: #13
Many women with cervical cancer were probably exposed to HPV in their teens and 20s.
HPV FACTS: #14
Every day, 30 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer.
HPV FACTS: #15
Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV.
HPV FACTS: #16
Each year, there are about 1 million new cases of genital warts in the United States.
HPV FACTS: #17
Even after treatment, genital warts can return.
HPV FACTS: #18
All types of genital HPV can cause abnormal Pap tests.
HPV FACTS: #19
In a study of female college students, about 60% of them were infected with HPV during their first 4 years in college.
HPV FACTS: #20
HPV is also linked to other cancers.
