Talk' which are all in an effort to increase public ...

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It is estimated that 75% of Canadians will have at least one Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in their lifetime.

HPV belongs to a group of over 100 viruses which can be passed easily from person to person through sexual contact. These infections are quite common and in some cases they do go away because the immune system gets rid of the virus. The importance of eating right and being physically active is heightened in knowing that a strong immune system can combat some HPV. However, even though our bodies provide some defense, certain types of sexually transmitted HPV do cause changes to the cells of the cervix which can lead to cervical cancer.

It is estimated that in Canada women 25 years and under have the highest rates of HPV infections. Also, 2% of sexually active young women have genital warts, and the prevalence for cancer-causing types of HPV in different groups of females ranges from 11% to 25%.

In 2006, Health Canada approved gardasil, the only cervical cancer vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of HPV. Two types cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, with the two other types causing 90% of genital warts cases. Gardasil, as prescribed for women ages 9-26 is targeting young girls before they become sexually active. Subsequent to the gardasil vaccine and a women's first sexual contact, routine cervical screening in the form of a pap smear should be done. This is life after gardasil.

Dr. Oberai of the Wawa Family Health Team's physicians group echoes that 'the Gardasil vaccine while it is beneficial may not fully protect everyone. Gardasil will not protect against diseases caused by other HPV types or against diseases not caused by HPV.' She goes on to say that 'an important part of prevention is continuous routine cervical screening by doing a pap smear.' It is known that cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms in its precancerous stage, so it is important for women to get a frequent pap smear. 'Not having regular pap smears is a risk factor for cervical cancer; but this is a risk that can be prevented' -explained Dr. Oberai, who has seen the benefits of screening over the years.

Dr. Oberai elaborates that the Wawa Family Health Team along with Algoma Public Health and other community partners are trying to increase uptake of cervical screening. 'We (Wawa Family Health Team) have a systematic recall system for patients with abnormal results to ensure that appropriate follow up is done according to screening guidelines'. 'In addition to the recall process a preventative campaign is conducted yearly to identify patients who have not had a pap in over three years. Identified patients are sent two letters and given a phone call in efforts to have eligible patients screened', explained Dr. Oberai.

The Wawa Family Health Team in collaboration with Algoma Public Health will embark on a series of awareness events to increase pap uptake in Wawa and surrounding areas. There will be a media trivia with a chance to win a gift basket among other group sessions such as 'Tea and Talk' which are all in an effort to increase public awareness. These two organizations are hoping that all women who are, or have ever been sexually active will have a pap test within three years of their first sexual activity.

Have you had a pap test in the last three years?

If not, give the Wawa Family Health Team a call at (705) 856- 1313 to book an appointment. 'We are in the business of empowering patients to manage their care' -Dr. Oberai.

Additional information:

Learn How Get Rid Of Genital Warts Fast!
Home Remedies for Removing Warts Life with Genital Warts get
How to Get Rid of Genital Warts howtogetridofstuff.com
Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus Medications Yahoo! Health
How To Get Rid Of Genital Warts Genital Warts Home Treatment Blog
Genital Warts
How Would You Get Rid Of Genital Warts And Pubic Lice Blurtit
Get rid of genital warts
Can genital warts be treated?
Warts familydoctor.org
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