Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix, and only women have that organ, they are the only ones who can get cervical cancer.
Something like greater than 99.7% of cervical cancer is caused by high risk HPV, so a woman who has cervical cancer has most certainly been exposed to a strain (or more than one) of high risk HPV.
High risk HPV can cause problems (atypical cell growth or at worst- cancer) in various organs: cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, penis, rectum, mouth/throat.
HPV is transmitted by skin to skin contact, so it is possible to be exposed to HPV by various forms of sexual activities, not just sexual intercourse.
And the pap does not detect all cellular changes of the cervix. It is very good at detecting atypical squamous cells. It is not as good at detecting atypical glandular cells (because of location and difficulty to obtain a sample). Even women who have good annual exams can have cervical cancer. It is quite rare, but it is possible.
[QUOTE=Pickle Eyes;3849795]Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix, and only women have that organ, they are the only ones who can get cervical cancer.
Something like greater than 99.7% of cervical cancer is caused by high risk HPV, so a woman who has cervical cancer has most certainly been exposed to a strain (or more than one) of high risk HPV.
High risk HPV can cause problems (atypical cell growth or at worst- cancer) in various organs: cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, penis, rectum, mouth/throat.
HPV is transmitted by skin to skin contact, so it is possible to be exposed to HPV by various forms of sexual activities, not just sexual intercourse.
And the pap does not detect all cellular changes of the cervix. It is very good at detecting atypical squamous cells. It is not as good at detecting atypical glandular cells (because of location and difficulty to obtain a sample). Even women who have good annual exams can have cervical cancer. It is quite rare, but it is possible.[/QUOTE]
Good point! Rather than "by having sex" I should have said "had any sexual activity".
