In Memory of Shelly.....1968-2010

This article is dedicated to my loving cousin Shelly, who passed away last thursday, Oct. 28th, 2010 after a 2 yr and 4 month battle with cervical cancer. She was laid to rest on Monday, Nov. 1st in a beautiful service.

Shelly's cervical cancer was diagnosed just before her 40th bday, in June 2008. When diagnosed, it was already in Stage 4 status. Her treatment plan would be palliative and not curative due to the involvement. She endured invasive radiation, external radiation and chemotherapy. She also had metastasis to her bone and lymph system.

Throughout the past 52 months of her battle, she never complained. She never asked "why me". What she did do, was worry about everyone else and she wanted to be strong for others. She fought with a determination and will, like I have never seen. We shared alot of time during these past 52 months; and I will cherish it always!

Facts: Almost ALL cervical cancer is caused by the HPV (Human Papillomavirus). The CDC (Center for Disease Control & Prevention) states that most of the time, the human body's own immune system can fight off the HPV and it goes away on it's own. It is that when the HPV stays in your body's system for a couple of years, that it causes this type of cancer. It can also cause cancer of the Vulva, Vagina, Penis, and Anus.

Men can also get HPV. There are 2 vaccines to date, that are available to girls & women. Cervarix and Gardasil. Vaccines are recommended for 11 & 12 y.o. girls and females 13 through 26 that did not get the vaccine earlier. It is said to be safe for as young as 9 y.o. girls. And, everyone should get the series of 3 vacinations, given by way of injection. For men & boys, Gardasil is the vaccine and is available for ages 9-26 y.o. Wearing condoms alone is not enough to prevent the HPV spread. Any area of contact not covered by a condom, can be a source to transmit such.

Cervical Cancer is the easiest female cancer to prevent, with regular screening tests and follow ups. The PAP TEST helps find precancers (cell changes on the cervix that may become cervical cancer if untreated). There is also the HPV TEST that checks for the virus that can cause these abnormal cells of the cervix.

HPV usually has no signs or symptoms by itself. That's because our bodies own immune system usually fights this off. In fact, most people that are sexually active will get HPV at some point in their lives. Just having HPV alone, does not mean that you will get cancer. It simply means that the doctors can then treat the cell changes that HPV can cause.


Treatment is for the problems that the virus causes, such as the abnormal cervical cells, some visible genital warts (with medications). The most important aspect in cervical cancer is that it IS TREATABLE when it is diagnosed and treated early. PREVENTION is always better than TREATMENT.


LINKS:  


To learn more on HPV or Human PapillomaVirus, you can visit the CDC website at 
http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/WhatIsHPV.html 


To learn more about all types of cancers, you can visit the CDC website at 
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ as well as The American Cancer Society at http://www.cancer.org/ .


Additional sites related to Cancer Research & Cancer Survivors, is The LiveStrong Foundation at http://www.livestrong.org/ and http://www.livestrong.com/


And REMEMBER, knowledge is the key to prevention and prevention is the key to avoid treatment!