The key to cancer treatment is early detection and treatment. We will perform a
thorough physical examination. Teach monthly breast self-examination and body
awareness techniques and will perform routine testing (Paps, STI screenings etc)
on all of our patients. Annual gynecological exams are required yearly and done
for all age groups. Screening, testing and educational materials are provided for
cervical, ovarian, breast, and colon cancer.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
The human papillomavirus (HPV) test detects the presence of the human
papillomavirus, a virus that can lead to the development of genital warts,
abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer.
The HPV test is available only to women; no HPV test yet exists to detect the
virus in men. However, men can be infected with HPV and pass the virus along
to their sex partners.
Why it’s done
The HPV test is a screening test for cervical cancer that detects the presence of
HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer. Certain types of HPV — including
types 16 and 18 — increase your cervical cancer risk.
Routine use of the HPV test in women under age 30 isn’t recommended, nor is it
very helpful. HPV spreads through sexual contact and is very common in young
women (condoms will help prevent the transmission of HPV) so, frequently, the
test results will be positive. However, HPV infections often clear on their own
within a year or two. Cervical changes that lead to cancer take several years —
often 10 years or more — to develop. For these reasons, you might follow a
course of watchful waiting instead of undergoing treatment for cervical changes
resulting from an HPV infection.
The FDA approved vaccine Gardasil, immunizes girls and women ages 9–26
against the four most common types of HPV. Gardasil is administered in three
injections over the course of a year. It is primarily intended for young women
who have never been exposed to HPV, but women of any age who are not in a
monogamous relationship will benefit.
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