Any Mother's Daughter, Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: This site is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. Information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. This is not a substitute for professional care. If you suspect you may have a health problem consult your healthcare provider. Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that some 20 million Americans have contracted HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and 6.2 million more will contract the virus each year. HPV has become the single most sexually transmitted disease. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.
Many people are familiar with, or have in fact had some form of HPV and don't even realize it. Human papilloma virus is the same virus responsible for the common warts found on the hands, the plantar warts found on the feet, and flat warts usually occurring on the legs of women and the arms and faces of children and young boys.
There are over 100 identified strains of HPV. There are other types (strains) of HPV which have been shown to be involved in 99.7% of cervical cancers in women with HPV 16 and 18 comprising 70%, and 90% of genital warts involving both sexes (HPV 6 and 11). Cervical cancer however is not the only cancer linked to this often aggressive virus. Cancers of the vagina, vulva, anus, penis and recent studies linking HPV type 16 to many oral cancers, head and neck and lung cancers have been documented. It is believed that HPV is responsible for 90% to 99% of anal cancers.
Unfortunately, the information available to newly diagnosed individuals is often erroneous, contradictory or at best confusing. This site, and the accompanying book, "Any Mother's Daughter" was created to provide insight as well as clear and accurate information not only to patients, but to family members, friends and yes, the healthcare profession itself.
Written by an RN with a personal history of HPV dating back over two decades, her insightful story and current research helps to dispel the myths and disseminate the facts on this very prevalent but sorely misunderstood virus.
Dedicated to providing accurate medical information, this website is certified by the Health on the Net Foundation.
