Cervical cancer question

[xback2basics.livejournal.com]

Is it possible for a virgin to get cervical cancer?

Also, what is the best online source you've come across for finding out more about it?

Comments

[catiekat.livejournal.com]

I suppose you could, but it would happen for different reasons, not because you contracted HPV. I've heard douching linked to it, but I'm not sure anyone under the age of 50 even considers douching!

Say you were genetically predisposed, maybe, but it's pretty unlikely. Also, I'm not a doctor, or even a pre-med student, so don't take anything I say too seriously!

[marionravenwood.livejournal.com]

Is it possible for a virgin to get cervical cancer?

That depends on how you define "virgin." It is extremely unlikely for someone who has never had any sort of genital contact with another person to get cervical cancer, since virtually all (at least 99.7%) of all cervical cancers are caused by HPV.

Also, what is the best online source you've come across for finding out more about it?

I like the American Cancer Society:
http://caonline.amcancersoc.org/cgi/content/full/52/6/342

[cyberpurple.livejournal.com]

No advice but wanted to say thanks for asking this question - it's something I've been wondering about but never got around to actually asking.

I assume from reading these answers that as most people here agree that it's very unlikely for a virgin to get cervical cancer that would mean it's also not hugely necessary for a virgin to get a smear test?

[goddessdeath.livejournal.com]

While someone above posted a link that says 99% of all cervical cancers are HPV-related, keep in mind that "approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV (http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm), and another 6.2 million people become newly infected each year. At least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives." (CDC website)

[xback2basics.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the answers everyone!