Facts about HPV and Cervical Cancer

What is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

• HPV refers to the group of viruses called Human Papillomavirus, which can cause cervical cancer¹.
• There are over 100 different sub-types of HPV that are classified as high-risk (may cause cancer) and low risk (non-cancer causing)².
• It is transmitted during genital skin-to-skin sexual contact and very rarely, during delivery from the infected mother to the baby².
•  Most HPV infections occur without signs or symptoms and goes away on its own without any treatment².

• In some cases, the infection can persist and cause the cells to grow in an abnormal way. Some of these abnormal cells may develop into cervical cancer².

How serious is HPV infection?

• Most cases of HPV infections are not widely reported. It is estimated that approximately 911 women in Singapore were diagnosed with cervical cancer between 2008 and 2012³.
• There is no treatment available for HPV, but in about 90% of HPV infection cases, the virus clears by itself without any treatment².
• A regular pap smear can help to detect changes in the cervical cells caused by HPV infection².
• All women aged 25 and above who have ever had sex or are sexually active should have a Pap smear once every three years².

Once your little girl enters the teenage years, you may be wondering whether she should get protection against cervical cancer.

In Singapore, HPV vaccines are approved for use in females aged 9 to 26 years old².

References:

1. WebMD; Cervical Cancer; Available from www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-cancer/cervical-cancer-topic-overview; last viewed 16/4/14
2. Health Promotion Board; FAQs on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and HPV vaccination; Available from www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/health-article/8768; last viewed 16/4/14
3. MOH website: www.nrdo.gov.sg/uploadedFiles/NRDO/Cancer_Trends_Report_08-12_website.pdf; last viewed 25/03/2014

SG/VAC/0002/14f Certified 03/07/14