HPV AND CANCER

Question 1

What is HPV

Answer 1

It a DNA virus

There are over 109 types of the virus each with a designated number

It’s the most common sexual transmitted disease

Question 2

How is hpv transmitted

Answer 2

Anal, oral or penetrative sex

Skin to skin contact

Question 3

HPV AND CANCER

Answer 3

Cervical cancer is the most common HPV associated cancer in women

Oropharyngal cancer are the most common HPV associated cancer in men

It takes about 10-20 yrs for the infection to develop into a cancer

Question 4

How does HPV cause cancer

Answer 4

By affecting P53 tumour suppressor gene

P53 gene acts as cell cycle check point protein by preventing the activation of E2F protein

P53 has the ability to detect DNA damage

WITHOUT THIS PROTEIN CELLS WILL UNDERGO UNCONTROLLED CELL DIVISON= CANCER

Question 5

HPV and cancer risk factors

Answer 5

Smoking

Co-infection with HPV and hepatitis

Depressed immune system due to other factors

Question 6

Treatment and prevention

Answer 6

Usage of condoms. BUT cannot control skin to skin contact

Vaccinations

Question 7

HPV vaccines

Answer 7

First vaccine was developed in Australia 2006 to protect women against cervical cancer

In Australia and USA infections with HPV types 6 11 18 & 16 have reduced by 87%

Question 8

Side effects of vaccine

Answer 8

Headaches

Dizziness

Feeling and being ill

Stomachs pain

Diarrhoea

Soreness around site of injection

Slightly raised temp

Question 9

Why are vaccination uptakes so low

Answer 9

Seen as Immorally wrong to vaccinate kids against a STD

Adverse side effects

Lack of education

All of these reasons prevent herd immunity being created