Human papillomavirus (HPV) preconditions the occurrence of viral infection that causes skin or mucous membrane growth and the development of complications (McConnell, 2013). In some cases of genital HPV, the risk of cervix cancer becomes high because of the peculiarities of the disease (McConnell, 2013). Moreover, cancer of the penis, vagina, vulva, and anus can be linked to HPV.
The main problem associated with HPV is that it cannot be treated nowadays, and there is a focus on dealing with symptoms that are triggered by the virus and preservation of the high quality of patients’ lives. Under these conditions, preventive measures such as vaccination and regular screening acquire the top priority as one of the ways to prevent the appearance of complications or the development of cancer (Chrysostomou, Stylianou, Constantinidou, & Kostrikis, 2018).
In accordance with ACS guidelines, Pap smears can be a useful tool to monitor the state of females. It should be performed no later than the age of 21 or approximately three years after the first vaginal intercourse (Chrysostomou et al., 2018). However, the problem is that many young women possess little knowledge about HPV and the importance of Pap smears for their reproductive health, and the given case proves it.
Brenda was informed about the abnormal showings of her screening test; however, because of the lack of awareness, she disregarded it and continued having unprotected sex with multiple partners. It means that there was a chance of numerous reinfections. Because of the lack of attention, HPV preconditioned the appearance of tumor and development of carcinoma of the cervical epithelium. In such a way, it is possible to conclude that HPV remains a dangerous disease that should be monitored by constant screenings to avoid the occurrence of complications.
Reference List
Chrysostomou, A., Stylianou, D., Constantinidou, A., & Kostrikis, L. (2018). Cervical cancer screening programs in Europe: The transition towards HPV vaccination and population-based HPV testing. Viruses, 10(12), 729. Web.
McConnell, T. (2013). The nature of disease: Pathology for the health professions (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: LWW.