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HEALTH TIPS FOR HEALTHY LIVING By Julie Wilhelm, PA-C            TCH Rural Health Clinic   Cervical Cancer and Gardasil Vaccine       Q: How can I get cervical cancer? There are many things that can put you at higher risk for developing cervical cancer.   One is a viral infection know as Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Other risk factors include multiple sexual partners, long-term use of birth control pills, and smoking.       Q: What is HPV? HPV is a virus that has been linked with the development of genital warts, cellular changes and cancers of the cervix.  There are over 70 different types of HPV, however not all 70 types will cause cancer. Many cases of HPV infections will clear on their own. Specifically HPV subtypes 6 and 11 are associated with mild cervical cell changes.  HPV subtypes 16, 18 and 31 cause higher grade cell changes.     Q: How can you get HPV and is it common? HPV is sexually transmitted.  People usually have no symptoms when they have the infection, so they are unlikely to know they have passed it on to their partner.  HPV is very common, according to the CDC it is estimated that at least 50% of sexually active people will have HPV in their lifetime.     Q: What can I do to prevent infection? A vaccine called Gardasil was recently approved for use in girls and women age 9 through 26 years old. It provides protection against HPV subtypes 6, 11, 16 and 18.  It is given as a series of 3 injections.  The second injection is given 2 months after the initial dose. The third is injection is given 6 months after the initial dose.     Q:  My child is not sexually active, should they still receive the vaccine? Like any vaccine it is important to become vaccinated prior to exposure to the virus. When the vaccine is given prior it exposure it gives the body time to develop defenses against the virus, so the body is better equipped to fight off infection during an exposure.     Q: If I have already had HPV or cervical cancer should I still receive the vaccine? Yes. The vaccine contains four different types of HPV, and since most people are not infected with all four types at one time it is still important to receive the vaccine.     Q: If I get the vaccine do I still need to get screening pap smears every year? Yes. While HPV is a common cause of cervical cancer it is not the only cause.  People with early changes associated with cervical cancers rarely have any symptoms. Early detection of cervical cancer is linked with easier treatment methods and better long-term outcomes.      If you have any further questions about cervical cancer or any of the topics discussed in this Q&A session feel free to contact the TCH Medical Clinic at 368-9964.