Self-HPV test could screen for cervical cancer

Total Health | January 27th, 2012

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPVAn abbreviation for human papilloma virus, a sexually transmitted virus that can cause genital warts and may also have a role in the development of various cancers.) can often present as a precursor to cervicalRelating either to the cervix (the neck of the womb) or to the cervical vertebrae in the neck (cervical spine). cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. and the authors of a new study have found that testing for the virusA microbe that is only able to multiply within living cells. can be a more cost effective way to screen for cervical cancer than the traditional screens. The recommended cervical cancer test in the UK, cervical cytologyThe study of cells, in medicine used to mean examination of cell samples under a microscope., is a process requiring considerable laboratory resources and may not be a viableCapable of survival. option in developing countries.

Rates of cervical cancer in developed countries have declined since widespread screeningA way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to began, however, diagnoses in developing countries are on the increase. The study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute compared the different screening methods to include self-collected Pap tests. While the researchers found that the self-test was not as specific as other methods and could not be used as a stand-alone test, it may reduce the need for the other, more costly, tests to be used except when necessary.

In the UK, girls aged 12–13 are offered the HPV vaccine to prevent against the types of HPV that lead to cervical cancer; older teenage girls are also being offered the vaccine in a catch-up programme. Women aged 25–64 are offered cervical screening at their GP practice or family planning clinic. For further information on screening for cervical cancer please click here.
 

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Expert articles

An Overview of Gynaecological Cancers

By Dr Adeola Olaitan, Consultant GynaecologistContact
University College Hospital London, The Harley Street Clinic

Gynaecological cancers are not common, particularly in the UK. If we add all the gynaecological cancers that occur each year together, they account for less than half of the cases of breast cancer. However, women may be concerned about the possibility of gynaecological cancers because, unlike breast cancer, the gynaecological organs are not easily visible. It is therefore important for women to be aware of the various screeningA way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to programmes for gynaecological cancers that exist and to also be aware of the symptoms so that the disease can be detected early where full cure is usually possible.

Vaccination against the Human Papilloma Virus

By Dr Adeola Olaitan, Consultant GynaecologistContact
University College Hospital London, The Harley Street Clinic

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPVAn abbreviation for human papilloma virus, a sexually transmitted virus that can cause genital warts and may also have a role in the development of various cancers.) or Wart Virus as it is more commonly known is a family of virusesMicrobes that are only able to multiply within living cells. that can infect humans. The viruses are divided into sub-types according to their characteristics. There are over 100 subtypes of HPV. Most do not cause significant disease in humans. However, some subtypes, notably types 16 and 18, 31 and 33, have been confirmed as agents which cause cervicalRelating either to the cervix (the neck of the womb) or to the cervical vertebrae in the neck (cervical spine). cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body.. These sub-types, known as 'High risk' HPV (HR HPV), have been found to be present in close to 100% of all cervical cancers. Of the different types of HPV, types 16 and 18 cause about 7 out of 10 (70%) cancers of the cervixAny neck-like structure; most commonly refers to the neck of the uterus.. Most of the remaining 30% of cervical cancers are associated with other HR HPV types.

What is the real value of screening for Cervical Cancer?

By Dr Adeola Olaitan, Consultant GynaecologistContact
University College Hospital London, The Harley Street Clinic

Many patients emailed us their questions after reading Adeola Olaitan's article on Cervical Cancer. Here are just a few of them together with Adeola's responses.

Treatment of Cervical Cancer

By Dr Adeola Olaitan, Consultant GynaecologistContact
University College Hospital London, The Harley Street Clinic

Cervical cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. should be treated in a specialist unit known as a cancer centre. A team of experts, known as a multidisciplinaryRelating to a group of healthcare professionals with different areas of specialisation. team, will be involved in your care. The doctors who look after this disease are gynaecological oncologists (surgeons) or clinical oncologists (radiotherapyThe treatment of disease using radiation. experts). Other members of the team include a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNScentral nervous system or MacMillan Nurse), and a psychologist who are available to support you and look after your social and psychological needs throughout treatment and beyond. Not all hospitals have this expertise available and you may have to be referred from your local hospital to a cancer centre.

Diagnosing Cervical Cancer

By Dr Adeola Olaitan, Consultant GynaecologistContact
University College Hospital London, The Harley Street Clinic

The cervixAny neck-like structure; most commonly refers to the neck of the uterus. is the lower part of the wombThe uterus.. It is sometimes referred to as the neck of the womb. Cervical cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body., is the second most common cancer in women world-wide, second only to breast cancer and in some developing countries, it is the commonest. An estimated half a million women are diagnosed with cervicalRelating either to the cervix (the neck of the womb) or to the cervical vertebrae in the neck (cervical spine). cancer each year, approximately 80% of whom are in the developing world. About 300 thousand women die of this condition every year.

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