Suggest methods to prevent cancer
Patient: I'm female,41 years old. I have HPV Type 16 with mild dysplasia in cervix. i'm having follow ups pap smears to prevent cervical cancer. But I know also that HPV can cause anal & oral cancers & there are no follow up tests for these in my country. I've been with y husband for 17 years & faithfull & we don't have anal or oral sex? Is there anything else I can do to prevent these cancers? How big is the possibility to get them because of HPV 16? Doctor: Hi,Thanks for writing in.HPV infection is common in women. It might happen even in those with a single partner though multiple partners increase the chances of infection. Prevention of cancer is best by getting screening tests done and recognizing symptoms.If you have HPV 16 infection then getting annual pap smear is recommended and I hope you are doing it regularly especially because of mild dysplasia in cervix. The possibility is small and not something that should be disturbing your piece of mind. Oral, vaginal, vulval and anal cancers are seen apart from cancer cervix which is the commonest condition among cancers present in women with HPV infection. Please take note of any oral or anal symptoms like non healing ulcers, wounds in oral cavity and skin tags in the anal region. Please do not worry.