HPV Fact Sheet [PDF] - Gamma-Dynacare

GAMMA-DYNACARE MEDICAL
LABORATORIES
Contact us:
Toronto: 1.800.668.2714
Ottawa: 1.800.267.9514
London: 1.800.265.5946
Montreal: 1.800.697.3831
Other locations: 1.800.668.2714
www.gamma-dynacare.com
HPV FACT SHEET
WHAT IS HPV?
There are over 100 different types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a virus
most commonly known to cause warts on the hands and feet. Some types of
HPV infect the genital tract. Genital HPV types are sexually transmitted and can
cause external genital warts or cell changes on the cervix that increase a
woman’s risk for cervical cancer.
Most HPV infections do not result in genital warts or cervical disease and a
healthy immune system will often suppress or clear the virus. Most people don’t
even know they have the virus.
Cervical Cancer and HPV: Key Facts
♀ Cervical cancer is the 3 rd most common cancer in women worldwide preceded
by breast and skin cancer.
♀ In 2006, it is estimated that 1,350 new cases will be diagnosed and 390
deaths will occur in Canada.
♀ Cervical cancer is a preventable disease if detected and treated early.
♀ Certain high-risk strains of HPV cause cervical cell changes, which, over a
period of time, can develop into cancer if untreated.
♀ Testing for these high-risk HPV strains helps to resolve the questions and
concern associated with an uncertain/ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of
Undetermined Significance) Pap test result.
The Pap test and HPV test
The Pap test, or smear, is a common screening test used to find signs of cervical
cancer or cells that may turn into cancer cells in the future. If you have had an
uncertain/ASCUS Pap test result, you are probably wondering exactly what it
means. Like many women, you may be concerned about cervical cancer.
Generally, an ASCUS result means that some abnormal cells are present,
however, their significance is not clear. This sort of result might indicate precancerous
or simply benign changes.
While there are a number of reasons why a Pap test result may be reported as
ASCUS, there is a test that can accurately detect the presence of the virus that
causes cervical cancer. This HPV test helps to resolve the uncertainty.

GAMMA-DYNACARE MEDICAL
LABORATORIES
Contact us:
Toronto: 1.800.668.2714
Ottawa: 1.800.267.9514
London: 1.800.265.5946
Montreal: 1.800.697.3831
Other locations: 1.800.668.2714
www.gamma-dynacare.com
HPV Testing: What you need to know
How does the HPV test help?
The HPV test helps to resolve the questions and uncertainty around an ASCUS
Pap test result. This, in turn, helps to make clear for you and your physician
the most appropriate next steps in your care.
♀ A negative result means that high-risk, cancer-causing strains of HPV were
not detected and therefore, you have little or no risk of developing cervical
cancer before your next routine visit.
♀ A positive HPV result means that one or more high-risk strains of HPV were
detected. It does not mean that you have cervical cancer. A positive HPV
result means an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Further
examination is needed to see if there are pre-cancerous or cancerous
changes. If no changes are detected, you will be closely monitored to make
sure that any future changes are detected as early as possible. If cervical
disease is present, highly effective treatment options are available.
Benefits of HPV testing to women with uncertain Pap results
♀ Women who test positive for high-risk HPV strains are treated appropriately
to prevent progression of disease.
♀ The result is early and effective management of disease.
♀ Women who test negative for high-risk HP strains are monitored more
conservatively, decreasing the need for repeat office visits.
♀ There is a sharp reduction in diagnostic uncertainty and unnecessary
patient anxiety.
♀ Unnecessary invasive procedures and their associated discomfort and
costs are minimized.
Payment and Insurance
The test may not be currently covered by your government health insurance
plan. But it may be covered by your supplementary health insurance or
extended health care plan (i.e., coverage through your employer).
** For more information on cervical cancer, the Pap test or the HPV test,
please speak with your healthcare provider.