With the introduction of the first HPV vaccine, the dream of eliminating cervical cancer is increasingly within reach. Cervical cancer is the only type of cancer for which there is one specific cause---certain high risk types human papaillomavirus is very common, sexually transmitted virus that normally doesn't cause any problem in some Women, the infection stays active longer to cause abnormal cells to form which can develop into cervical cancer. With the HPV test, Women at high risk can now be identified and monitored carefully. The new Gardasil Vaccine allows many HPV infections to now be prevented.As a Mother of five and wife of 18 years, Jodi McKinney was always on the go because of a history of cancer in her family, she made certain to have her regular check-ups which included her regular Ob/Gyn appointment no matter how busy she may have been. For 19 years, Jodi always went in for a Pap Test and it was always fine and she never had any problems until recently.
In 2007 when Jodi visited her Gynecologist for her annual exam the Receptionist handed her a pamphlet that explained HPV was the cause for cervical cancer and now there is a test to detect it. Jodi had never heard of HPV before and so when it was time to see her Physician she inquired about the test and learned that it didn't take any longer than any other test.
Both Jodi and her Physician were surprised when the results were in, while Jodi learned that her Pap test was normal the HPV test showed that Jodi had the virus. Her Physician explained that many times the infection goes away on its own and there is nothing to worry about and she was scheduled an appointment to return in a few months.
When Jodi returned for her second appointment her Pap test came back normal but her HPV test was still positive and so the Physician could get a closer look at her cervix, the Physician gave Jodi a colposcopy exam and a biopsy which showed that Jodi had pre-cancerous cells.
The first thing that Jodi thought about were her children who needed her, so she said, the treatment must work. Jodi immediately scheduled a LEEP procedure to remove all the bad cells and was very relieved that her surgery went well and within a few weeks, Jodi returned to her normal everyday routine.
Jodi feels extremely fortunate that she was able to catch her cervical disease at an early stage and did not have to go through major surgeries and other treatments. Jodi is thankful that the Receptionist gave her a pamphlet that explained HPV without learning about it and having the test Jodi realizes that she likely would not have learned about her condition until maybe before it was too late.
It is important to talk with your family and friends about having their regular Ob/Gyn exams and having regular Pap and HPV tests performed---with the new vaccine Women may want to consider having that which is essential in the fight against cervical cancer.
