HPV virus. Photo | Courtesy.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most widespread infections in the world, affecting approximately 80 percent of sexually active people at some point in their lives. While most HPV infections clear up on their own, certain high-risk strains can lead to severe health issues, including cervical cancer, which is responsible for over 340,000 deaths globally each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This makes early detection and vaccination critical, particularly for young girls.
HPV is a group of over 200 related viruses, some of which are considered high-risk because they can cause cancer. The virus spreads primarily through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, and oral sex) but can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Although both men and women can contract HPV, women are at a higher risk of serious health complications, especially cervical, vaginal, vulvar and anal cancers.
One of the biggest challenges with HPV is that it often presents no symptoms. Many people carry the virus unknowingly, which allows it to spread silently. Regular testing is the only way to detect HPV early before it leads to serious diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cervical cancer takes about 10 to 15 years to develop after an HPV infection, making early screening vital.
HPV testing for young girls is a key preventive measure. It typically involves a Pap smear, which detects abnormal cervical cells that may become cancerous, and an HPV DNA test, which can identify high-risk strains of the virus. A paper smear is a medical procedure used to screen for cervical cancer and detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous. The test involves collecting a small sample of cells from the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women begin Pap smears at age 21 and continue every three years if results are normal. Early testing helps detect HPV before it causes long-term harm.
Dr Emily Carter, a gynaecologist and women’s health expert, stresses the importance of testing, citing that cervical cancer can be prevented.
“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet thousands of women still die from it each year. HPV testing helps us catch infections early, allowing for treatment before cancer can develop. Every young woman should make HPV screening a priority.”
If left undetected and untreated, HPV can lead to several serious health complications. The WHO states that 99 percent of cervical cancer cases are linked to HPV, with over 600,000 new cases worldwide in 2020 alone. Genital warts are another potential consequence, affecting around 1 in 100 sexually active adults in the U.S. at any given time.
While not life-threatening, genital warts can be painful and distressing. HPV is also responsible for 70 percent of vaginal and vulvar cancers, 91 percent of anal cancers, and 70 percent of throat cancers, according to the CDC. These cancers often develop decades after an initial HPV infection, making early testing essential.
One of the most effective ways to prevent HPV-related diseases is vaccination. The HPV vaccine, first introduced in 2006, has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of HPV infections. Studies show that countries with high vaccination rates have seen up to a 90 percent drop in HPV infections among young women. The CDC recommends that girls and boys receive the HPV vaccine between ages 9 and 14, before they become sexually active. If not vaccinated at a young age, teens and young adults up to age 26 should still get vaccinated, and in some cases, adults up to age 45 may benefit from the vaccine after consulting their doctor.
“The HPV vaccine is one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent cervical and other HPV-related cancers. If administered early, it can provide nearly lifelong protection. Parents should ensure their children are vaccinated before they are exposed to the virus,” says Dr Michael Reynolds, a public health specialist.
To reduce HPV-related diseases, it is crucial to educate young girls, parents and guardians about the risks of HPV and the importance of testing and vaccination. Schools and health organizations should conduct HPV awareness programs to ensure young girls understand how the virus spreads and why prevention is important. Routine gynaecological check-ups should be encouraged, even before symptoms appear, to ensure early detection of any potential issues.
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Open conversations about sexual health and HPV testing can help eliminate fear and embarrassment. Governments should also make HPV vaccines widely accessible through public health programs to ensure that cost and availability do not become barriers to vaccination.
HPV is a common yet serious virus that can lead to life-threatening diseases if undetected. Regular screening and vaccination can prevent the vast majority of HPV-related cancers and complications. With early testing and widespread vaccination, we can significantly reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases, protecting the health of young girls and future generations. Every parent and young woman should take the necessary steps to ensure HPV prevention remains a priority.
