Latest news with #HPV
The Independent
4 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
‘Cervical cancer has affected generations of my family - NHS changes mean women like me could be missed out'
A woman whose grandmother and mother both had cervical cancer has called for the reversal of recent changes lengthening the intervals between life-saving screenings. Gemma Barley, 34, had to undergo a biopsy in January 2022 after her regular three-year check-up found abnormal cells in her cervix - despite her previous screening being completely clear. She fears that if she had been subject to new NHS England rules - which have lengthened the time between check-ups to five years - the outcome could have been worse. 'After a regular smear check-up in 2022 I got a letter to say we've found something abnormal in your smear and told I needed a biopsy,' the mother-of-one said. 'It was like my full life had flashed before my eyes. I thought my son was going to be left without a mum. It was horrifying.' Cervical cancer has affected Ms Barley's family for generations. She lost her grandmother to the disease aged 54, just three months after being diagnosed in 2004. Her mother was also diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2018 and had to undergo a hysterectomy to mitigate the risks of the disease. Ms Barley waited four weeks for her results - which said the cells were not cancerous. But the psychology graduate said the experience proves how quickly things can change, and fears recent changes to screenings for cervical cancer could 'put women's lives at risk'. Women aged 25 to 49 who test negative for human papillomavirus (HPV) will now be invited to cervical screening every five years instead of every three, under new NHS guidelines. According to Cancer UK, nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV. Most of the time HPV is cleared from the body by itself, but some types can cause cancer if they stay in the body for a long time so require extra monitoring. After seeing the planned changes, Ms Barley started a petition to have them reversed and said: 'I was really angry when I saw the changes. Because of my first-hand experience, it petrified me. 'My first smear was fine, and I'd seen no significant changes in my life since then. But then my second smear found abnormalities. That's how quickly that could change - and yet they're happy to extend it by a further two years.' The change, set to take effect next month in England, follows recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee. According to analysis from King's College London, extending the screening interval to five years for HPV-negative women is just as safe as the current three-year interval, with a similar rate of cancer detection. An NHS England spokesperson said: 'We recognise that changes to cervical screening can seem worrying but want to reassure everyone that this new approach is based on robust scientific evidence and an expert recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee. 'The NHS cervical screening programme tests for HPV and uses a better and more accurate test than before. This means if you test negative for HPV, you don't need to be screened as often as your risk of developing cervical cancer is very low. If you test positive for HPV, we'll monitor you more closely with additional tests and follow-up appointments. 'This personalised approach ensures everyone receives the right level of screening based on their individual risk factors, providing better protection while reducing unnecessary procedures.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'These changes are based on robust scientific evidence and an expert recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee. 'The NHS cervical screening programme tests for HPV which is a more accurate test than the old cytology (smear) test, therefore intervals for those not at high risk can be safely extended from three to five years. 'If you test positive for HPV, you can be assured you will be monitored closely with additional tests and follow-up appointments.'
BBC News
5 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
'I believe routine smear test saved my life'
"If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't be here to tell my story."Toni Smith from Eastwood, in Nottinghamshire, went for a routine smear test when she was 28-years-old and believes doing so saved her screening is for human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes most cervical cancers, and women between the ages of 25 and 64 are offered it every few more than five million women are not up to date with the test, according to the government. Just 68.8% of women currently take up the offer of cervical cancer screening - well below the NHS England target of 80%.Toni told the BBC that after going for a routine smear test, HPV was found and she was later diagnosed with cervical cancer in February 2019. The mother-of-two was later offered a range of treatments by the NHS and chose to have a hysterectomy. 'Please, just go' The 36-year-old was in remission for five years until July last year when she got the all said: "I think my reflection is life is only a proportion of what goes on if you don't attend."It's uncomfortable, but that's going to save your life – it saved mine."Toni urged women to attend cervical screening and added: "Please, please just go."NHS England has now announced from January, a test which can be done at home that contains a long cotton-wool bud to swab the lining of the vagina, will be said she thinks the concept is an "amazing idea" and added: "The home testing kits gives that benefit to the woman, you haven't got to go somewhere, you don't have to feel uncomfortable, it's done in your own time."The Department for Health and Social Care in England said the scheme would tackle "deeply entrenched barriers" that keep women away from cervical can be due to embarrassment, discomfort, lack of time as well as religious or cultural concerns.A recent trial showed the rollout of home test kits across England could increase the proportion screened to 77% over three years.
India Gazette
15 hours ago
- Health
- India Gazette
Delhi HC extends Geeta Arora's suspension of sentence till next date
New Delhi [India], June 28 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Friday extended the interim suspension granted to Geeta Arora alias Sonu Punjaban on health grounds till July 22. Her appeal against conviction is also pending. She is admitted to Mehta Hospital in Saket. Justice Renu Bhatnagar extended the interim suspension of sentence granted to Geeta Arora alias Sonu Punjaban till the next date as listed in the application, along with the main appeal for hearing on July 22. She has moved an application seeking extension of the interim suspension of sentence for a further 60 days on medical grounds. She is suffering from Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is associated with the potential development of cancer. Her counsel submitted that she has been diagnosed with HPV (Human Papillomavirus), a high-risk viral infection associated with potential cancer development. It was further submitted that the appellant Sonu Punjaban is presently admitted in Mehta Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, for ongoing treatment. A status report has been filed by the Delhi police verifying the medical documents produced by Sonu Punjaban. Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) for the State submitted that the treatment the appellant getting is available at AIIMS. While in judicial custody, she was receiving treatment at AIIMS, which is a premier government medical institution. APP further submitted as per the medical prescription submitted by the applicant, she was advised to report for a follow-up consultation at AIIMS on May 26. However, to date, no follow-up medical record or prescription from AIIMS has been placed on record to demonstrate that the applicant complied with the said advice, APP added. It was also contended that the appellant was directed to surrender on June 21 at 5 PM. On June 20, she got herself admitted to Mehta Hospital, a private hospital, to avoid compliance with the surrender order. The medical prescription of her condition by the said hospital appears to be exaggerated, the prosecution said. Her sentence was suspended on May 19, which was extended from time to time by the court. She filed an appeal in 2020 challenging her conviction and sentence in a case related to the Immoral Trade Practices Act and other offences. (ANI)
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Awareness programme on nutrition, menstrual health held at BHU
Varanasi: An awareness programme on nutrition, menstrual health and hygiene, and puberty-related issues was organised in joint collaboration with the 28 UP Girls Battalion NCC at Banaras Hindu University, Sathiya Kendra at the Institute of Medical Sciences, Mamta Health Institute for Mother and Child, New Delhi, and the National Health Mission, UP govt on Friday. The session was led by Prof Mamta from the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, IMS, BHU, under the guidance of Prof Dr Sangeeta Rai, head of the department and nodal officer of the Centre of Excellence for Adolescent Health and Development. The event was inaugurated by Commanding Officer GP Singh. Around 350 adolescent and youth girls, along with NCC staff, actively participated in the session. The talk covered essential topics such as the proper usage and disposal of sanitary pads, emphasising the importance of hygiene and discouraging the use of cloth during menstruation to prevent infections. Common myths surrounding menstruation were addressed to help break taboos and promote scientific understanding. Dr Mamta also discussed issues related to irregular periods, vaginal (PV) discharge, and PCOD- its causes, prevention, and lifestyle-related management. Participants were encouraged to consult nearby gynaecologists in case of any health concerns. The importance of HPV vaccination as a preventive measure against cervical cancer was also highlighted. The cadets were encouraged to seek further guidance and services from the Adolescent Health OPD at SSH-BHU for any concerns related to reproductive and menstrual health.
Daily Mail
21 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Secret sign of cancer you could have missed revealed as expert makes grave warning
A doctor has revealed the secret signs of anal cancer - and why it's often confused for something else. Dr. Goldstein explained around 90 percent of anal cancers - dubbed the 'silent disease' due to its lack of symptoms - stem from the human papillomavirus (HPV) - and anal warts. 'Anal cancer stems from the HPV virus and, for many, from the development of anal warts,' Dr. Goldstein, founder and CEO of Bespoke Surgical and Future Method, told New York Post. The expert explained this could look like a single bump near the anus or as a cluster that resembles cauliflower, which can be raised or flat. 'Many think they are just skin tags and then find out it's anal warts from HPV,' said Dr. Goldstein, who also authored: Butt Seriously: The Definitive Guide to Anal Health, Pleasure and Everything In Between. He described anal warts as 'painful and itchy' and said they can 'lead to bleeding.' Treatment includes topical medications, cryotherapy or surgical removal, although some patients don't have any symptoms and may not know they have anal warts. The body's immune system often clears HPV infections naturally, usually within a few years, but some linger. While nine out of 10 HPV infections go away on their own, Johns Hopkins notes if the infection becomes persistent or more severe due to a weakened immune system, HPV can cause cancers later in life, including anal cancer. The risk of developing anal cancer is around one in 500, according to the American Cancer Society. The site noted that this number was particularly high among white and Hispanic women over the age of 65. Anal cancer symptoms can be similar to those of hemorrhoids and anal fissures, sometimes making it harder to diagnose. The main symptoms are bleeding from the anus, itching and pain, as well small lumps around and inside your bottom and a discharge of mucus and inconsistent stool. 'The idea is to catch this early with early detection anal pap smears and full anoscopy with an appropriate anal practitioner,' Dr. Goldstein explained. 'The more we talk about anal health and standardize yearly evaluations, similar to genecology appointments, the better all of us will be,' he added. Dr. Goldstein often shares information about anal health, revealing a critical mistake people are making after using the toilet, explaining it could lead to serious health issues over time. The leading proctologist says 'traditional wiping' with toilet paper is causing unnecessary damage and is even more concerned about the popularity of using wet wipes to complete the job. Speaking to HuffPost for Am I Doing It Wrong? Dr Goldstein explained that the skin around the anus is sensitive, and wiping with toilet paper can easily lead to irritation, small tears, and long-term damage. It's a problem that he sees far too often in his clinic, and it's only getting worse as more people rely on wet wipes for a 'cleaner' finish. 'They are so terrible - not only for the environment, but for your hole,' he said. 'There's so many companies out there throwing wipes and I think they should all be banned. I see 90 people a week [in my office], and I would say one-third of all the people coming through are coming in from wet wipe-induced issues.' According to Dr Goldstein, wet wipes are soaked in chemicals which can disrupt the microbiome of the area, which can lead to bacterial infections and painful skin conditions.
