I completely understand that the HPV vaccine is available amid controversy to not only serve it’s named purpose, but to also offer protection from cervical cancer. But this post is not about that. This is simply an informational post on the Digene HPV test and its importance to women my age (30+) in detecting high-risk HPV infections that can cause cervical cancer.
First, I’m posting this on behalf of Mom Central, and they’re giving me a gift card in exchange for providing this information to readers. I know that I usually post this information at the end, but I feel it’s important to disclose this relationship now, since I’m absolutely not a medical expert and I am simply doing this to spread the word about a valuable test. I also know that mostly women read this website, and this is an important, possibly life-saving message that I’m happy to communicate.
The HPV test is a tool for women 30 years of age and older. It’s done in conjunction with a Pap (no additional procedure is required) and it identifies women with high-risk HPV infections that can potentially lead to cervical cancer. If you have the Digene HPV test done with your Pap test and they both come back normal, you don’t need to repeat the test for 3 years. If one or more of the tests comes back abnormal, it doesn’t mean that you have cervical cancer, it just allows you and your healthcare professional to more closely monitor your health and possibly treat precancerous cells before cervical cancer develops.
The digene HPV test is not necessary or recommended for women under 30 unless their regular Pap test comes back abnormal.
Here are a few websites that provide more information on HPV testing and women’s health:
- theHPVtest.com :: this site focuses on early detection and prevention of cervical cancer through HPV screening and Pap testing. You’ll also find educational materials on the the digene HPV test and insurance information.
- HealthyWomen.org :: This is the nation’s leading independent health information source for women.
I truly believe that we need to be our own health advocates, and this is just a way to stay informed of important health issues.
Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of the QIAGEN digene HPV test. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate
