Elevated Cervical Cancer Risk in HIV-Positive Women: What You Need to Know - Dr Sajith Mohan R

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 38 million people living with HIV globally in 2022.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths.

Women living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries often face significant barriers to accessing cervical cancer screening, prevention, and treatment service.

What Are HIV and HPV?

• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus):

A virus that weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections and diseases.

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus):

A very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause cervical, anal, and other cancers.

1. Cervical Cancer Link:
   HPV causes nearly all cervical cancers, and women with HIV are at higher risk due to a weaker immune system.
2. Faster Disease Progression: HIV makes it harder to fight off HPV, allowing the virus to cause more serious problems like cancer.
3. Co-Infections: HIV and HPV often occur together, especially in women with other STIs.

Key Facts

• Women with HIV are 6–10 times more likely to develop cervical cancer.
• HPV infections can be asymptomatic, meaning you might not know you have it without testing.
• HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing cervical cancer and genital warts.
• Regular screenings (Pap smears and HPV tests) can catch early-stage abnormalities.

How to Protect Yourself?

1. Get Vaccinated Against HPV

• The HPV vaccine prevents the most dangerous strains of HPV, including those that cause cervical cancer.
• Recommended for women aged 9–26, but women up to age 45 may still benefit—ask your doctor!

2. Practice Safer Sex

• Always use condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and HPV.
• Limit the number of sexual partners.

3. Get Screened Regularly

• Pap Smears detect changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer.
• HPV DNA Testing checks for high-risk HPV infections.
• Women with HIV should have more frequent screenings as advised by their doctor.

4. Get Tested for HIV

• Regular testing is important, especially if you are sexually active or at risk of exposure.
• Early HIV diagnosis allows for effective treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART).

5. Stay on HIV Treatment (ART)

• ART helps keep your immune system strong and reduces the risk of complications from HPV.

Symptoms to Watch For

For HPV:

• Genital warts (small bumps in the genital area).
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge (a possible sign of cervical cancer).

For HIV:

• Frequent infections, weight loss, extreme fatigue, or night sweats.

If you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Should I get the HPV vaccine?
• How often should I have a Pap smear or HPV test?
• What are my options if I test positive for HIV or HPV?
• How can I protect myself from HIV and HPV?

Breaking the Stigma

• Knowledge is Power: HIV and HPV are medical conditions, not moral failings. Testing and treatment are acts of self-care.
• Support One Another: Encourage the women in your life to get tested, vaccinated, and screened.

Take Control of Your Health

Your health is your responsibility, and early prevention can save lives.

• Get vaccinated to prevent HPV.

• Get tested for HIV and HPV.

• Get screened for cervical cancer regularly.