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BY JOSEPH HANNA
WHILE HPV is most
known for causing cervical cancer in women,
there’s a lot more that
you should know about
this common infection.
Did you know that most
sexually active people
will have a human pap-illomavirus (HPV)
infection at some point
in their lifetime? In
fact, HPV infection is the most common
sexually transmitted infection in Canada
and worldwide.
HPV comprises a group of more than
150 viruses that can cause infection in
humans. Each HPV virus is assigned a number to determine its type. HPV is contagious, and it affects both men and women.
In nine out of 10 cases, the infection clears
up on its own and causes no health-related
issues. In some cases, the infection can last
one to two years, and because it often has
no symptoms at all, an infected individual
can pass it to others without even realizing
it. Some types can cause genital warts, while
others can lead to various types of cancers.
Infection with “high-risk” HPV can
cause the body’s cells to gradually change
over time, and if not detected early, it can
develop into cancer. At least 13 HPV types
cause cancer. Although about 70 per cent of
cervical cancers are caused by HPV types
16 and 18, genital and throat cancers can
also be caused by the virus.
Delaying sexual activity until you’re
older and limiting the number of sexual
partners provides some protection. Using
a condom doesn’t completely eliminate the
risk of contracting HPV, but using one consistently and properly can lower the risks
for getting HPV and spreading it to others.
The Pap test is the main tool used to
screen for cervical cancer, because it can
detect changes in cervical cells before can-
cer develops. In fact, regular Pap tests can
prevent up to 90 per cent of cervical can-
cers, and they should be done even if you
are already vaccinated against HPV. All
women who have been sexually active
should have a regular Pap test done by the
age of 21 and every three years thereafter.
There are currently three vaccines in
Canada that protect against HPV: Cervarix,
Gardasil and Gardasil 9. It is best to vacci-
nate children between the ages of 9 and 13
(before the onset of sexual activity and
exposure to HPV) to get the most benefit
from the vaccine.
Cervarix is approved for use in females
and protects against the two cancer-causing
HPV types ( 16 and 18). Gardasil protects
males and females against those types of
high-risk HPV and provides additional pro-
tection against “low-risk” HPV types that
are responsible for 90 per cent of genital
warts. Gardasil 9 gives the same protection
as Gardasil, but has added protection against
five other types of cancer-causing HPV.
All provinces and territories have imple-
mented publicly funded school-based HPV
vaccination programs for girls in grades 4
to 8. More recently, many provinces have
expanded their programs to include boys.
To learn more about how HPV vaccines can
help protect you, visit the Canadian Cancer
Society at cancer.ca, select your province or
territory and search “HPV vaccines.”
Taking precautions, having regular
checkups and getting vaccinated can go a
long way toward lowering your chances of
getting an HPV-related cancer. Talk to your
pharmacist or doctor for more information
or if you suspect a problem. C
FOR YOUR HEALTH
Pharmacies in Costco’s Quebec locations are independently owned and operated by pharmacists.
Don’t wait; vaccinate
Joseph Hanna,
B.Sc. Phm., CDE,
CGP, is director of
Costco Pharmacy.
Save Big
while caring for
your little one
AVAILABLE NOW | ALSO ON COSTCO.CA
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