Women may be at risk of HPV, cancer

By: Lauren Weiner

Posted: 11/22/06

College females should know they are prime candidates for contracting human papillomavirus, a common sexually transmitted disease that can lead to cervical cancer, according to Amanda Alvey, director of Health and Wellness promotion. College women also need to know that a vaccine is now available that protects against warts and cancer caused by the virus, Alvey said.

The vaccination was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for young women between 9 and 26 years old. According to Dr. John Moroney, a Houston gynecologist. HPV occurs in 75 percent of sexually active women, most often in those younger than 25.

Moroney said between 150 and 200 subtypes of HPV exist. Of these, about 100 are sexually transmitted and it is in that group that the types causing cervical cancer are found. Although there is no cure for HPV, a woman's body will usually clear out the virus on its own. But, this is not always the case, Moroney said.

Doctors diagnose the virus through a pap smear. When results are abnormal, DNA tests can be run on the abnormal cells to determine the risk level of the virus. The vaccine protects against the four highest-risk types of cancer-causing HPV, Moroney said.

The vaccine is still very new, but even so studies have suggested that it can provide four to five years of persistent protection. Moroney, a Catholic, said he agrees with most doctors who believe that girls should be vaccinated before they are sexually active. He said the vaccination does not promote promiscuity, as some conservative and religious critics claim.

Alvey also agreed, noting that the vaccine is controversial because people associate it with sex rather than with cancer. She said that people will interpret their findings and knowledge differently according to their predispositions.

Moroney said that it is a matter of priority whether a university provides the HPV vaccination as it does the meningitis shot. Meningitis could wipe out an entire campus while the deadly strains of HPV are less common, he said.

"A university has to determine what is at the best interest of both the individuals and of the campus as a whole," Moroney said. "Would a cervical cancer vaccine rank up there? My suspicion is probably not yet, because at this point it's still affecting a small number of people."

Moroney said he does not want to downplay the importance of the virus. The small number refers only to those who actually get cervical cancer. Women with abnormal pap smears are often subjected to miserable exams that are even more invasive and painful than a regular exam, he said.

Alvey said her office has an open door policy and that she is happy to talk about HPV. "HPV is a huge issue," Alvey said. "The statistics show that if you are sexually active, you will more than likely be exposed to HPV at least once in your life."

Alvey also said that even those who remain abstinent can come into contact with the virus if their future spouse was not abstinent. The virus can also be contracted through sexual activity other than intercourse, but this is less frequent.

Alvey said it is important to her to inform the student body about HPV and its vaccine. "The information will be put out there. If anyone has any questions about it they can come to me and I will tell them hands down what this is, what it does, how you can get the vaccination," Alvey said. "My office will talk about it, promote the vaccination and give correct information so everyone understands what this is."

Alvey led a women's health night in Guinan Hall on Oct. 18 where she spoke "openly and freely" about HPV. Approximately 20 women were in attendance and the link between HPV and cervical cancer was discussed, as well as the vaccine, according to Alvey.

Alvey said she feels the seminar was successful. "The event was wonderful," she said, "We had a great turnout." Most of the women in attendance had heard of HPV but did not understand the link to cervical cancer or even know how it was transmitted, Alvey said.

At this time, female students who want the vaccine can get it through UT Health Services. A shuttle runs from campus to the medical center. Call UT Health Services at (713) 500-3267 or visit Alvey in her office in Jerabeck for more information.