Thus it is no coincidence that May has also been designated as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and the week of May 12-18 as Safe Motherhood Week. These concerns emphasize the growing awareness of common, but highly preventable and curable, diseases afflicting women of childbearing age. The human papilloma virus (HPV) is known as a major cause of cervical cancer, and has been widely discussed in recent years following approval of the HPV vaccine.

It is important to note that there are different types of HPV. Some cause symptoms and some do not. People can still be infected with HPV and not experience any symptoms. There are some types that are high-risk, cancer-causing strains, while other strains are known to cause genital warts, cauliflower-like growths that occur on and around the vagina, penis, and anus. The strains of HPV that are known to cause cervical cancer do not produce any symptoms. These types of HPV are detected through Pap smears in women.

The best method of detecting and diagnosing HPV in women is through a regular pelvic exam and Pap smear. Certain types of HPV lead to cervical cancer, and while half of all women diagnosed with cervical cancer are between 35 and 55 years old, many of these women were probably exposed to cancer-causing HPV types in their teens or 20s.

For most women who have HPV, the virus will go away on its own. But for some women who don’t clear the virus, cervical cancer can develop. This happens as abnormal cells develop in the lining of the cervix. If these abnormal cells are not found early and treated, precancers and then cervical cancer can develop. Pap tests look for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become precancers or cervical cancer. The more severe the abnormal cells, the greater the likelihood of cervical cancer.

But the good news is that HPV is highly treatable and preventable, with early diagnosis as key. Dr. Yasmin Liboro, an obstetrician at Healthway Medical, says sexual transmission and smoking are the primary causes of HPV. She cites the high incidence of precancer lesions among many women, and the HPV vaccine, which treats 70 percent of the known 30 types of virus, will prevent the real risk of cancer among such women. "The goal is to remove all the abnormal cells and thus remove most or all of the cells with HPV," says Liboro.

The HPV vaccine, approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) is available at all Healthway Medical clinics, is administered in three shots within a six-month period at two-month intervals.

The BFAD-approved age for the HPV vaccine is 9-45 years old. Experts say that vaccination is recommended for girls as young as 9 years of age because it works when given before there is any contact with HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18.

The vaccine is also inexpensive, at P2,500 per shot inclusive of consultation fees. Carmie de Leon, Healthway vice president for sales and marketing, says this affordable and available treatment underscores Healthway Medical’s commitment to a preventive lifestyle. "We always encourage early diagnosis and treatment so that more than money is saved," says de Leon. "In the end the peace of mind brought about by a state of health is priceless."

Log on to www.healthway.com.ph for more information.