Monday, February 27, 2012

Why the Focus on Cervical Cancer Must End

Now that I have raised the ire of anyone who has, has survived, or has lost a loved one to cervical cancer, let me delve further into the importance of ending the focus on cervical cancer.

I am certainly not insensitive to the issue of cervical cancer. I myself have dealt with precancerous lesions of the cervix. Neither am I lacking in empathy for those who are survivors, I am a survivor myself – twice!

The fact still remains that cervical cancer is diagnosed in approximately one-half a million women across the globe each year and that half of that number succumb to the disease on an annual basis.

There are significant organizations whose sole focus is the prevention of cervical cancer and they work tirelessly to educate others and raise money for everything from research to the development of educational materials and in some cases even patient assistance.

Cancer is a term which still strikes fear in the hearts and minds of most people diagnosed with it and even those who aren’t, but I don’t think anyone with cervical cancer would align themselves with groups fighting lung cancer, pancreatic cancer or colon cancer. While the commonality which exists because they are also a form of cancer there is a significant difference. That difference is the fact that cervical cancer, unlike the other cancers mentioned, is the result of a virus – human papillomavirus (HPV).

Cervical cancer was the first cancer identified in 1983 as being the result of HPV (HPV16). The connection was only strengthened in 1984 when a second strain of HPV (HPV18) was also identified as the cause of cervical cancer. Between the two strains alone, they combine to account for approximately 70 percent of all cervical cancers. Various other strains of HPV make up the difference bringing the total of all cervical cancers attributed to HPV to 99.9 percent.

Since the approval of the first HPV vaccine (Gardasil) in 2006, its manufacturer, Merck Pharmaceuticals has initiated numerous public education campaigns aimed at driving home the connection between HPV and cervical cancer. The organizations which have cropped up against cervical cancer have consistently done the same. The end result has been that those who are aware of HPV will tell you that it is the virus which causes cervical cancer. If this were a singular cancer, such as lung cancer, I would say that their efforts have been an overwhelming success. The problem is that it isn’t a singular cancer.

In testimony given to the Administrative Committee on Immunization Practices by Maura Gillison, MD and lead author on oropharyngeal research and an oncologist at Ohio State University, at the current rate HPV-induced oropharyngeal cancer will exceed cervical cancer in numbers by the year 2020 (less than a decade). According to the CDC cases of anal cancer are increasing at an annual rate of three percent, which is quite significant and there are more than 5,000 diagnosed cases of anal cancer annually.

In addition to this, the CDC, whose figures are not current but in some cases seven years old, indicate that HPV is also responsible for 65 percent of vaginal cancers, 50 percent of vulvar cancers, 35 percent of penile cancers and 60 percent of oropharyngeal cancers. If these are older figures, one must wonder what they actually are today.

HPV excludes no one. It will infect male or female regardless of age, nationality or ethnicity though some groups have a somewhat higher risk. These cancer statistics from high risk HPV do not even take into account the benign (non-cancerous) conditions resulting from HPV. There are estimated to be approximately 250,000 cases of genital warts annually in U.S. men alone and HPV is also responsible for the majority of cases of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis which affect infants and young children.

If those of us affected by HPV and others whom for whatever the reason advocate against cervical cancer truly want to be heard, then it is time that we align ourselves, combine our voices and our numbers and advocate against the one thing that connects us all – HPV. Not a particular form of cancer caused by HPV but the virus itself.

The focus on cervical cancer has on some level, functioned to lessen the public’s understanding of the true extent of the danger that HPV represents. Focusing on cervical cancer instead of HPV itself functions to exclude the cases of anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile and oropharyngeal cancer diagnosed each year. It also functions to alienate its victims.

Those of us with an HPV-induced cancer not cervical in nature experience the physical and emotional pain and anguish just as those with cervical cancer do. We live with the damage in some form or another and what we go through in terms of treatments/procedures are, in some cases, more severe than cervical cancer.

As a two time survivor of anal cancer resulting from HPV and speaking for those of us with precancerous or cancerous lesions other than cervical, we are no less
significant simply because our numbers may be smaller. In many cases, the focus on cervical cancer to the exclusion of anal cancer has left many an anal cancer patient misdiagnosed and having to endure far more severe treatment because of advanced disease states when the diagnosis is finally made. The lack of education amongst physicians of other specialties such as colorectal and oral surgeons certainly does not benefit the patient. And, while HPV has been identified as causing 90+ percent of anal cancers, there is still no organized screening program as there is with the Pap smear, to pick up the same cellular changes which occur in the cervix. The HPV test is also, regardless of which one since there are now numerous companies offering the test, not advertising or promoted for anal HPV.

Since 1983, HPV has gone from being responsible for one cancer (cervical), to being responsible for six, and there may be more to come. It is long past time to stop creating divisiveness through a myopic focus and to recognize that what is needed, what is desperately needed, is to unify the voices of every individual who suffers from HPV related cancer. Our adversary should not be seen as cervical cancer or anal cancer or any of the other cancers for which HPV is responsible, but HPV itself! I have been aware for over two decades that HPV is responsible for far more than cervical cancer but most are not. I know for myself only because I have been unfortunate as to have experienced it virtually everywhere else in addition to cervical, most have not.

It is essential to expand the public’s knowledge about HPV beyond that of cervical cancer alone. Only once we come together in unity as victims of HPV and not one of its cancers, will our voices truly be heard and the need to recognize this issue on the larger scale that it exists, get the attention it deserves.


"CDC - HPV-Associated Cancers Statistics." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2012. http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/statistics

"Recommendations on the Use of Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in Males — Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2012. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6050a3.htm

"CDC - What CDC Is Doing About HPV-Associated Cancers." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2012. http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/what_cdc_is_doing/

" Oral Sex, Throat Cancer And HPV Vaccines” // Pharmalot 4th, Ed Silverman // October, and Pharma Blog . N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2012. http://www.pharmalot.com/2011/10/oral-sex-throat-cancer-and-hpv-vaccines/


"CDC Data & Statistics | Feature: Cervical Cancer Rates by Race and Ethnicity." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2012. http://www.cdc.gov/features/dscervicalcancer

" Human Papillomaviruses and Cancer - National Cancer Institute." Comprehensive Cancer Information - National Cancer Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2012. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV

24 comments:

  1. I believe I beat HPV, You can read and decide for yourself. I just feel the need to share this with who ever may want to read it and maybe even try it. I suffered from cervical cancer a few years ago due to HPV. I had a hysterectomy and some lymph nodes removed as well. There was a small amount of cancer found in one of the lymph nodes which led afterwards to me having to go thru radiation and chemo for four months. The cancer tried to return less than a year later a I had to under go lazor therapy to burn the vaginal walls,which proved to be very unpleasant. I was really scared of this continuing over and over. The doctor told me as long as the HPV was in my system, the cancer would continue to want to come back. I was constantly having to go get checked to see if it was returning. All I was told is your body has to fight off the HPV, there is nothing you can take to make it go away. Suddenly I remembered when my son was a child, he had a wart on his finger and the doctor kept freezing the wart off, only for it to keep coming back. After putting my son through .so many times, the doctor put him on Tagament 3 times a day for 3 months. He said that he can't explain why it works, but it just does and the wart was gone forever, never to return. To get to where I am going with this is that Warts are also caused by a form of HPV, just a different strand of it. So I decided,what would it hurt to try to take this for myself just to see what happens, I had nothing to lose. So I took it for the 3 months just as my son had done many years ago. I had regularly went to the doctor getting tested for the HPV and it had always tested positive, but after I took the over the counter tagament and got tested, it continued to come back negative. Now it's just the question, did what I tried work or not? Did my own body just all of the sudden decide to fight it off after it has been in my system for all those years? I leave that up to anyone out there that wants to try it. I am not claiming that it works, but something got HPV out of my system. If any of you decide to try it, I hope you will post it everywhere that you can to tell others to try it out and see if it helps them too. God bless Angela D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
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    2. Hello viewers all over the globe I am caroline from USA, I have been suffering from HPV virus for the past 2 years now, I have went to several hospitals taking different treatment from doctors but still yet no improvement, I have done research on internet seen different testimony how some people get cured but I don’t believe does testimony again because of what happened to me I have contacted so many doctors online, they all ask for is money I was scammed by 3 different doctors over $2000 still yet I was not cured so I tell a friend of mine about my problem she tells me to contact dr oso that his very good in healing people with his medicine that she was cured from herpes by this some Dr oso I don’t believe her on thing she showed me her results on how was cured she gives me his Email few weeks later I contacted him and tell him about my problem he tell me not to be worried that his going to prepare the medicine and send to me through EMS delivery so after some days I received the medicine and I was take it as he Instructed me few weeks later I go for check up to no if I’m finally cured, could you believe me when the results come out I was negative I jump up I was very happy. Please my dear friends if you have any kind of diseases or virus please contact Drosohaberhome@gmail.com/ dr.osoherberhome1@outlook.com or WhatsApp +2348162084839. you can email me to for more info about dr oso . toddcaroline79@gmail.com. Thank you so much Dr oso I’m forever great full please my dear friends don’t believe on does comment online they all fake doctors. only Dr oso I see real. Please beware of scammers..////////////

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  2. Its very unfortunate that majority of the patients who visits the clinic are girls and in some cases, its too late that they've found out that they have been affected with HPV. Aside from vaccine, women can beat this STD if they practice abstinence and faithfulness amongst their partners. While condoms are not an assurance that women will be protected, It is very important to practice good reproductive health hygiene by washing their intimate area with a feminine wash before and after the intercourse.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have no work to appreciate you, such a great post with depth knowledge, cancer is a big disease and your post really help all. Immune Support

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  4. I'm in an investigation about HPV. I've found there is not enough information around for people about HPV threats. I think information must be spread faster than the virus! It is time do educate our children and young people... because today this disease is getting more widespread at earlier ages. I'm looking forward this blog, it is one best I've find around the internet. Thanks for sharing this information.

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  5. I have no work to appreciate you, such a great post with depth knowledge, cancer is a big disease and your post really help all.

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  6. i have no words your article is very appreciable
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  12. Hey, I know how difficult it will be to find love and support specially if you have it and at start I found it a tough deal to find love and support however one of my friend suggested me Genital Warts Dating a site for people living with genital warts HPV, well there are many users with whom you can relate, we support each other love each other and the best thing is we understand each other. It’s important that you have someone who understands you and love you.

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  13. When individuals first find out that they have herpes, they feel as though their odds of maintaining a relationship or dating with others have simply ruined. This causes many individuals to stop dating altogether. Online herpes dating sites certainly are a helpful tool for those who have herpes to discover love. Privacy attributes, their extensive reach and safety features must be looked at while enrolling on these sites.
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  14. My partner was diagnosed with anal cancer and some complicated gastrointestinal tract infections Luckily he had an encounter with Dr Jose, a renowned Italian doctor that helped him overcome his cancer and other infections in less than two and a half months, just with the use of herbal medicine and spiritual help, i can now boldly say He is cancer free and a proud living testimony,Dr Jose is known to be able to tackle any type of cancer found in the human body, God forbids any one should suffer here on earth, thats why I believe he created all these herbs, if you also want to clear your doubts and fight cancer to the barest minimum, take the bull by the horn and avoid death, you can contact our Doctor, by his email joseherbals28@gmail.com

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  15. I was once a victim of Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection is deadly, and should be get rid as soon as possible, it usually begins as a small area of tenderness, swelling and redness. Herbal Medicine is the best for this infection, I have finally been cure of HPV. If you have HPV, don't be discourage, stop using Western medicine and embrace herbal product by contact directly Nelson for help. drnelson581@gmail.com.

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  16. QUICK CURE OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS 1 & 2 WITH { oshogumspelltemple@live.com }

    I will advice you to contact Dr Oshogum (oshogumspelltemple@live.com ) who solve all problems and give cure very fast without stress and delay. i was getting drawn in herpes virus, and medical prescription (Aciclovir‎, ‎valaciclovir‎, ‎paracetamol‎... etc) was not helping me. Till a lab doctor (my friend) direct me to contact Dr oshogum for quick cure because he also read from people whom Dr oshogum have cure of HSV 1 & 2; Virus, HIV/AID, HLS virus, Hepatitis B, STAGE 3 cancer and other STD's. I contact him as direct with his email, i explain my problem to him. He replied with what he want me to do as soon as possible because he don't want delay. After i did what he ask, he send me a Remedy which i use d as he prescribed. He is a miracle worker.. It is never too late with Dr oshogum contact him today with { oshogumspelltemple@live.com }. I went for test after two week and my result came out negative. Today again i did text and my result is always negative.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hello viewers all over the globe I am caroline from USA, I have been suffering from HPV virus for the past 2 years now, I have went to several hospitals taking different treatment from doctors but still yet no improvement, I have done research on internet seen different testimony how some people get cured but I don’t believe does testimony again because of what happened to me I have contacted so many doctors online, they all ask for is money I was scammed by 3 different doctors over $2000 still yet I was not cured so I tell a friend of mine about my problem she tells me to contact dr oso that his very good in healing people with his medicine that she was cured from herpes by this some Dr oso I don’t believe her on thing she showed me her results on how was cured she gives me his Email few weeks later I contacted him and tell him about my problem he tell me not to be worried that his going to prepare the medicine and send to me through EMS delivery so after some days I received the medicine and I was take it as he Instructed me few weeks later I go for check up to no if I’m finally cured, could you believe me when the results come out I was negative I jump up I was very happy. Please my dear friends if you have any kind of diseases or virus please contact Drosohaberhome@gmail.com/ dr.osoherberhome1@outlook.com or WhatsApp +2348162084839. you can email me to for more info about dr oso . toddcaroline79@gmail.com. Thank you so much Dr oso I’m forever great full please my dear friends don’t believe on does comment online they all fake doctors. only Dr oso I see real. Please beware of scammers..

    ReplyDelete
  18. 5 years ago I had warts, I was treated with some liquid applied to the warts they continued to grow and spread... The next 2 doctors did laser surgery to remove them. 1 year after the surgery, they grew back close to where the 1st ones were' so I was finally told it was hpv. I have had it for very long time, I contract it from my cheated boyfriend and I found out he was also infected and I end up the relationship between us. the warts was so embarrasses because it started spreading all over I have be dealing with this things for very long time the last treatment I take was About 2 years ago I applied natural treatment from Dr onokun herbal cure, a week after applying the treatment all the warts was gone. it's now 2 years and some months I don't have single wart or any symptoms of hpv. wow"" it's great, Dr onokun has finally cured me. Anyone living with hpv contact Dr onokun for natural treatment.
    His email address: dronokunherbalcure@gm‎ail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I has suffered for Human papillomavirus HPV) for 2years, I was given some tablets at the hospital but I refused to take it, They said I have to be on it for life so I don't want take a drugs everyday for life. No point in taking medicine everyday when u won't get cure from it and I was advice to seek for natural herbal cure, after some time I found dr onokun is the most trustful herbalist that have herbs to cure wicked symptom's,I emailed dr onokun, for 2weeks been his patient he cured my (HPV) with his herbal. I only used his natural herbs for two weeks it was 100% cure. I'm not (HPV) patient anymore. I'm happy about it i finally got cured out of this mess been in my body for 2years. I also recommend you if you're living with (HPV) or herpes symptoms i also want you to be free contact dr onokun with the email attach to my post. dronokunherbalcure@gmail.com

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