The month of January is celebrated as the cervical cancer month. Experts then are trying to raise awareness about how both men and women can protect themselves from cervical cancer and its major cause, HPV (human papillomavirus). As several reports of both diseases have been recently surfacing, the medical world is hoping to save more people through cervical cancer and HPV education.
Some reports say that early detection of HPV and cervical cancer can potentially save people who have already have them but are in the early stage as it can be adressed immediately. As January is considered the cervical cancer month, experts have the chance to help people know how they can recognize symptoms of cervical cancer and HPV. According to data, about 79 million Americans already have HPV which is a common infection that spreads by having sexual contact. Many of these infected people though are unaware that they are “sick,” according to reports.
As revealed by the Greensburg Daily News, around 13,000 women in the United States are being diagnosed with cervical cancer. Out of these women, 4,000 are said to end up dying. However, cervical cancer is reportedly more common in low-income countries and is often found among women who are living in poverty. As the UAE is reportedly one of the nations celebrating the cervical cancer month, doctors are urging women to learn the importance of detecting symptoms of HPV and cervical cancer.
Reports have it that almost all cervical cancer cases in the United States are caused by HPV and not all of them are women. Buzzfeed wrote that a study that was published JAMA Oncology have previously tested 1,868 men with ages ranging from 18 to 59. From these participants, 45.2 percent were found with genital HPV, and among them, 25.1% have at least a subtype of HPV which is known to cause cancer.
With the growing number of HPV and cervical cancer positive patients, access to medical care including HPV vaccines should be ready. Experts say that it is important for couples to consider cervical cancer screenings. Sexual health conversation about prevention are also encouraged rather than avoided. From the American Sexual Health Association, there is no known single solution yet for cervical cancer, but recognizes healthcare and support as helpful options for prevention and immediate medication. The cervical cancer month advocates are then calling out on women to talk to their healthcare providers about Pap and HPV detection tests as well as taking cervical cancer vaccines.
