Hush, Hush

by WiredBerries Editors — May 27, 2008

You don't talk about it, even with your girlfriends. But maybe you should. Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and you might not even know you have it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, and another 6.2 million people become newly infected each year. At least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.

But if you can't tell you have it, are you in danger? The reality is, yes. Diseases linked to HPV include genital warts--about 1% of sexually active adults in the U.S. have genital warts at any one time; and cervical cancer--the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2008, 11,070 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the U.S. Other HPV-related cancers are much less common than cervical cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2008, there will be:

• 3,460 women diagnosed with vulvar cancer
• 2,210 women diagnosed with vaginal and other female genital cancers
• 1,250 men diagnosed with penile and other male genital cancers
• 3,050 women and 2,020 men diagnosed with anal cancer

To prevent HPV and potentially cervical cancer, a new vaccine is available and recommended for 11- to 12-year-old girls. Condoms, if used properly, can also help prevent infection.

Talk to your girlfriends, roommates, and family members about HPV and its connection to cervical cancer - word of mouth is the most powerful weapon to stop this disease!