Cervical Cancer Research

Question: Which are some good research topics about cervical cancer? I want to write a research paper about investigations that are being done about cervical cancer and the virus that causes it. I am not sure of the name of the virus right now but I know it starts with P. (Papav.............???) Do you have any ideas to help me out? Thanks lol ok you are making fun of the comerical. ok.......lol commercial*

Answer: I think an excellent topic about Cervical Cancer and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) might be how many women go on to have other types of cancer from it. HPV causes lesser know cancers in women such as vulvar, vaginal, and anal. I run a support group for these problems and many women that have HPV and Cervical Cancer do later go on to have different problems, for some reason many women are not able to ever fight off the virus, where as most can. Maybe the role that the immune system plays in it would be something to explore....why do some women with "high risk" HPV get cancer and others don't? Good luck! I applaud you for picking such an interesting topic.

Question: Is it possible to catch cervical cancer without intercourse? I need to research Cervical Cancer for school as my year were the first year to have the jabs. Just wondering if it is possible to catch cervical cancer without having intercourse? Ok, sorry, i dont mean catch, but i couldn't think of another way of saying it :S Im sorry if you fin the term "cath" offensive, but im a year 8 student, and i dont really know how else to say it. Read the other addition comments please x

Answer: Yes, as cervical cancer is not an STD, HPV or humanpapoloma virus is and thats what can lead to cervical cancer. Sometimes its genetics though and sometimes its other factors completley ie enviornmental factors. So yes it is possible to have cervical cancer without intercourse.

Question: How is cervical cancer diagnosed and treated today and in the 90s? Recently, someone in my family said they had cervical cancer and was diagnosed 10 years ago. In the beginning, they said that the doctor performed a pap smear, and from this, diagnosed her with cervical cancer. He gave her 10 to 15 years to live and told her, "Live your life!". Apparently, in the 90's, their was no cure or even treatment for this form of cancer. However, after researching cervical cancer, I discovered that cervical cancer was typiclly caused by HPV, that a bioapsy must be performed in order to even diagnose this form of cancer, there are treatments, it's curable, and doctors typically give people 5-years to live upon diagnosis. I presented these facts to the person making this claim and was told that in the 90s there was no cure for this cancer...the terms she used to describe her diagnosis wasn't medical at all. What are the symptoms of cervical cancer? Ways it is diagnosed and treated? Was it treatable in the 90s? How can someone survive for 10-years?

Answer: Hi I am an Oncologist. The methods of treatment of cancer cervix were more or less same in 1990's as today, but that does not put anyone in bad picture,.. one has to see what it was then and what was actually advised, it is easy to point fingers. For e.g. very early cancer (carcinoma in situ) can be treated by a simple meathod of LLETZ which is an office procedure and life is normal after few hours, patient is cured for life and may not remember anything(least of all- any medical terms) after 10 years. You may speak to an oncologist in your area And with early disease one can be completely cured of cancer and continue to live more than 10years and may die of natural causes(as most of us will)

Question: can you help me for my research paper regarding cervical cancer awareness in the philippines?

Answer: Genital Warts: Genital warts (also known as venereal warts) are caused by a virus, the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are found on or around the penis, anus or vagina. They are small lumps which have an irregular cauliflower-like surface. The colour and shape vary depending on their location. Sometimes the warts cause irritation and itching. Genital warts are a serious health concern as certain types of HPV have been associated with cervical cancer. However, most women infected with genital warts do not have the strains of HPV that give rise to cervical cancer. Genital warts often disappear even without treatment. However, there are a range of drug treatments. Small warts can also be removed by freezing, burning or using laser treatment. Occasionally, surgery is used to remove larger warts. (BBC News) Genital warts are hyperplastic, sometimes pedunculated lesions of the skin or mucous membranes of the genitals caused by human papillomaviruses (HPVs). Some HPV types cause flat endocervical or anal lesions that are precancerous. Diagnosis is clinical. Multiple treatments exist, but few are highly effective. Genital warts may resolve without treatment in immunocompetent patients but may persist and spread in patients with decreased cell-mediated immunity (eg, HIV infection).(Merck) Cervical cancer is usually a squamous cell carcinoma that is caused by human papillomavirus infection or an adenocarcinoma. Early cancer is asymptomatic; the 1st symptom of later cancer is usually postcoital vaginal bleeding. Diagnosis is by screening cervical Papanicolaou (Pap) test and biopsy. Staging is clinical. Treatment usually includes surgical resection, radiation therapy, and, unless cancer is localized, chemotherapy; if cancer is widely metastasized, treatment is primarily chemotherapy.(Merck) Please see the web pages for more details and images on Genital warts and Cervical cancer.

Question: Cervical Cancer? I'm sure that it's different for everyone, but after being diagnosed with HPV (the type that develops into cancer) ... normally how long does it take for Cervical Cancer to develop? I was diagnosed with HPV about 8 months ago, and I've been going for check ups ever since. I don't have medical insurance, and go to school full time, and work full time and don't have money or time to pay the doctor a visit as often as I should. Regardless I was able to book an appt for next month, but just to ease my mind... how long does it normally take? Anyone have any idea? I'm concerned because I've been spotting for the past three weeks, it's browinsh and at times it's well, bloody. (also I haven't menstruating for about a year or more now, so I'm sure its not my period) I guess I'm just concerned... I'm sure it's not cervical cancer yet? Or is it? I've done plenty research but I just keep getting different answers, anyone have personal experience with this?

Answer: it takes YEARS. like 10. 15. keep getting your paps, but don't worry about it. as long as your HPV is monitored and treated when necessary, it is unlikely that you will EVER develop cervical cancer. talk to your doctor about it!

Question: internal radiation for cervical cancer?jsut researching it but if its minor what are the recovery periods like and how long are they? is it possible to just get the procedure done once? any info would be greatly appreciated, i dont have it but like i said im researching it

Answer: Here is a good web page that will answer your questions about radiotherapy for cervical cancer. http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=9195

Question: should i have the cervical cancer vaccine? Help!! I have had a letter through the post about this cervical cancer vaccine and i have researched it and there is must controvesy about the matter. a few girls have died from it, others paralysed and some have experienced fainting and extreme pain. what should i do???

Answer: There are always side effects to every vaccine. The deal with the cervical cancer vaccine has to do with your age and if you are sexually active or not. If you are 11-26, get the vaccine. If you've already had sex and are over 26, it's pretty much pointless. The vaccine is recommended for girls ages 11 to 12, although it may be used in girls as young as age 9. This allows a girl's immune system to be activated before she's likely to encounter HPV. Vaccinating at this age also allows for the highest antibody levels. The higher the antibody levels, the greater the protection (from the link below)

Question: Is The Cervical Cancer Vaccine Completely Safe? Okay, I just got a letter in the post from my high school asking for my parents consent for me to have the Cervical Cancer vaccine. I'm in 2 minds about getting it or not. On many occasions, after the jab, there's been quite alarming side effects. Has enough research went into this breakthrough vaccine.. or not? Has anybody had the jab and had side effects?

Answer: No vaccine is "completely" safe. To respond to Megan's comment that women used to get along fine without it, I would like to point out that cervical cancer used to be NUMBER ONE killer of women. It's still a top killer of women in many developing area of the world. The reason cervical cancer is no longer a top killer of women is because cervical issues can be caught in the precancer stage by having regular pap smears. But it's not like there is some magic way to stop the precancerous cells from becoming cancerous. They remove pieces of your cervix to stop the cells from spreading. This can lead to pregnancy complications. If the cells keep returning, you will have no choice but to have a hysterectomy. So yes the vaccine has risks, but mostly those risks are small an temporary. But those risks are vastly outweighed by the protection that it provides. Get it.

Question: Is cervical cancer a communicable disease or not? I was researching a little on communicable and non-communicable diseases today. While I read that cancer is a non-communicable disease, i think i read somewhere else that cervical cancer is caused due to HPV virus, which is sexually transmitted from males to females, with it affecting men to a very small extent(if any) and once a woman gets infected, she also acts as a carrier of the disease. So can cervical cancer be classified as a communicable disease or a non-communicable disease? and also, are there any other causes of cervical cancer apart from the HPV virus?

Answer: Over 99% of cervical cancer is caused by HPV. HPV is a communicable disease, but I wouldn't go so far to say cervical cancer is. Most people with HPV will not get cervical cancer. The main cause of cervical cancer not caused by HPV is a supplement called DES. Women who's mothers took DES while pregnant are at an increased risk for cervical cancer. The DES type of cervical cancer is called clear cell adenocarcinoma you do not need to have HPV to get it. There are a couple of other types of cervical cancer not caused by HPV, but seriously like 2 people are diagnosed with them a year so there isn't any reason to mention them. ******************** Richard: Most sexually active people have HPV in form form, condoms to not protect you, and men cannot get tested. Even if a woman remained a virgin until marriage, she would probably get HPV from her husband. In my own case, I did not have sex until I was 25, and then I got cervical cancer at 26. I was as responsible as I possibly could be.

Question: Cervical cancer vaccine CONFUSION!? ok hey guys, basically i've had my first jab of the course done. Next one due soonish. So i decided to google it because apart from the basics i had little knowledge of the thing. So after 3 million different websites including cancer researches and the NHS' i've still got a few unanswered questions...... Ok. The HPV virus which causes the cervical cancer. Does your "sexual partner" already have to have the HPV virus for you to get it. OR is it just a STD that occurs as a result of sex? For example if 2 virgins had sex could the virus be contracted? Another.... If someone had already had sex is it less effective IF they've already had/have a form of the HPV or is it just less effective HPV or no HPV? Sorry guys but please don't send me website links believe me i will have read it! And if possible could you give your answers as simply as possible. I feel very silly for not knowing these questions! Thanks X

Answer: First, let’s clear up some of the misinformation: This is not a cancer vaccine it is an HPV vaccine. HPV does not cause cervical cancer it is a risk factor for it – the biggest risk factor. Nearly everyone who has been sexually active has been exposed to it yet not everyone has cervical cancer. The vaccine substantially lowers your risk for cervical cancer, but it does not eliminate it completely. HPV is an STD. It is passed on from human to human – not just from male to female. Yes, you partner has to have HPV in order for you to get it. It is not created by sex. The vaccine does not get rid of the virus if you already have it. The vaccine contains 4 strains of HPV (there are over 70) 2 are most often associated with genital warts and 2 are most often associated with cancer. If you have already been exposed to one or more of the 4 strains the vaccine cannot protect you against it. This is why it is recommended before girls are sexually active. In other words, if you were exposed to 1 of the 4 strains the vaccine would only protect you against the 3 you were not exposed to. You can be a virgin and still get HPV. “Sexually active� is not limited to intercourse. HPV is also associated with head and neck cancers, anal/rectal cancers, penile cancers and skin cancer.

Question: Is Cervical Cancer Always linked to HPV? I had an abnormal pap and they said they found cancerouse cells. I have been doing some research and everything I read about cervical cancer says its linked to HPV. Is this true in every case? Can you have cervical cancer without having HPV??

Answer: No it is not always linked. About 30% of cervical cancers are not HPV positive. I also question whether or not you really have cancer, as it is odd to say you had an abnormal pap and say you have cancer in the same sentence. If cancer were found it would be a positive pap. Either way I hope what ever it is, is superficial and easily treated.

Question: Having sex after the first dose of cervical cancer vaccine makes it 0% effective? I've made my conclusions based on research, but I wanted to hear your opinion. I can't find this specific question anywhere and I haven't been given any information then I took the first shot. Please don't tell me just what you HEARD ABOUT, 'cause even my mom thinks that only virgins can take the vaccine.

Answer: Absolutely not!, I don't know where your mother got this information but anyone who is between grade school ages up to 27 years old sexually active or not should receive that vaccine. Because HPV is very communicable with out even knowing if someone has it. The vaccine is effective even after you have had sex. The only the vaccine can do is that it can not cure you if you have one of the forms of HPV that it protected you from. Say you have HPV 18 (this is one of the ones that the vaccine covers) if you get the Guardsil shot it will protect you from the other 3 but it will not take away the one you already have.The vaccine prevents 4 types of the most common and popular HPV.2 are commonly STD and the other 2 cause cancer.Though all HPV can lead to cervical cancer. Please read the link regarding the vaccine and if your mother has doubts have her ask her doctor or gynecologist. I have all 3 doses of the vaccine and have never had a side effect or problem from it and I received it when it first came out on the market. http://www.gardasil.com/what-is-gardasil/cervical-cancer-vaccine/

Question: What do you know about cervical cancer? a person really close to me has this and I would like to see what you know about it....i have already done some research myself. Please anything is useful, and please no sarcastic answers, this is really important to me.

Answer: It's hard to answer your question because there is SO MUCH information out there and the information depends so much on the stage of her cancer. There are different types of cervical cancer. The most common is called carcinoma and involves the squamous (skin) cells of the cervix. The second most common type is called adenocarcinoma which involves glandular cells. Both of these types of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, which is a very common infection most women will have at some point in their lives. Cervical cancer is one of the best cancer honestly if you are going to get one. It is typically very slow moving. And with regular pap smears, it can be caught early. Usually in the precancer stage! If the cancer has become invasive, it is sometimes treated with surgery only. In fact, if it is very early, there is a fertility-sparing option available called a trachelectomy that removes the cervix and leave the rest of the uterus. If the cancer has spread it is usually treated with radiation and a mild type of chemo that basically just helps the radiation along. Please let me know if you have any more questions. I had cervical cancer.

Question: Questions on Cervical Cancer and/or related female cancers? I'm doing research on cancer... I'm actually trying to do a writing piece where there is a part one of the characters discovers she has cancer and hides it from her friends and etc... It ties in to the main plot of the story I read up a bit online but there are a lot of things that I still need to know... Is it possible to "hide" cervical cancer and at what stage? If not that what type of cancer? What kind of treatment and how regularly would the patient have to check in with the Dr? If anyone can tell me where I can find information, it would be much appreciated... personal experience, blog, sites, or books... This is an important piece to me and I also hope to kinda raise awareness about cancer while I'm at it Thanks

Answer: It's possible to hide cervical cancer at all stages, til the person dies. Unless some other signs appear and give others a clue eg pain. Cervical cancer, if no treatment, survival 2 yrs. Treatment for cervical cancer, early stage is just surgery. Later stage, surgery, plus radiotherapy. Chemo don't work well. Research is on but not conclusive. If chemo, need go hospital daily for 6 cycles. Each cycle 20 days. follow up depends. Can be weekly. Monthly when stable (completed treatment, no more cancer cells found on Cone Biopsy). If no complication, no more follow up after a yr (from last follow up). http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Cervical+cancer Other cancer that can hide n die fast - stomach, intestine, lymphoma. But, cancer has excruciating pain. Difficult to hide this. Just type the disease and click 'go'. You can find whatever you want. To make it more sensational, do you want to consider, "pregnant and cervical cancer being diagnosed"?

Question: Can I have cervical cancer without having HPV? I need to know, I am in a serious relationship but was cheated on in another relationship. I go to the doctor soon, but am really hoping someone can ease my mind. It is late and I can't call my Health Department to see if they checked me for it, and will be doing this in the morning, but I need to know if it is possible to have these pre-cancer cells and NOT have HPV. My Beloved needs to know, I can't keep that from him, because if I must have HPV to get mild dysplaysia, then he has it now. And I am scared.. I only found out about this three days ago, and have researched it, but cannot find this particular info. Thanx in advance.

Answer: Yes it is possible to have cervicle cancer & not HPV. It is also very possible that you may not have cervical cancer. One of my best friend had & several abnormal paps &precancerous cells, that was 3 years ago, she had a biopsy & it was found out that she was okay afterall. In order for cancer to be "cancer" the cells have to mutate at least 3 times, so probably your cervical cells have mutated once or possibly twice. There is no way of knowing, but they can & likely will do more tests on you to see if they become cancerous or not. Blessed be to you & good luck.

Question: Is cervical cancer a venereal disease? Recently while researching Eva Peron came across an article that said she along with Juan Peron's first wife died of this disease. It also claimed both cases were caused by Peron's genital warts. Thought it sounded very far-fetched personally just wanted to check if anyone is aware of any factual information on this.

Answer: I think it is fair to consider cervical cancer as a venereal disease. About 99% of it is due to HPV which is sexually transmitted. Currently up to 70% of all adults do become HPV positive, though only a tiny percentage develop cancer. As vaccination progressively becomes more widespread this should fall. This a fairly robust argument for immunising both sexes, it is reminiscent of Rubella vaccine which was initially only given to women to prevent infection during pregnancy and subsequent damage to the foetus. It is now of course given to both sexes as infants, in the MMR, to reduce the pool of infection in the whole community.