Hi, I have a serious question... I am 16 years old and have been having sex since I was 12 and it has been with the same guy the whole time. My mom had cervical cancer precancerous cells and then they removed then they came back twice and finally she just removed everything after three kids. My auntie, her sister, had ovarion which I believe was connected to cervical cancer and had both her ovaries removed. I think my mom's mom might have had something, same with her other sister but not sure. My mom's mom did have breast cancer though, which may be relavent... Anyway, I am wondering what my chances are of getting cervical cancer, I plan on staying with the same guy and having kids with him and his plan is the same. I have had a smear and it was regular but still, what are my chances of getting cervical cancer and how young. My mom had precancerous cells at 18 and I am 16. I want to have kids and want to know if I should have them young or try to hold off as long as I can. Thanks.
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Family History
- By Captain_Colour
- Posted August 11, 2009 at 2:43 am · 8 replies
- In Help desk
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Explore topics in this discussion:
Cancer Genital warts HPV Gardasil Cervical cancer Breast cancer Ovarian cancer
8 replies
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- By Eimaj
- Posted August 11, 2009 at 3:57 am
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HPV is the virus that can cause pre-cancerous cells and lead to cervical cancer. There is high risk HPV and low risk HPV. High risk is the one that can lead to cancer. Low risk is the kind that can cause genital warts. Cervical cancer does not run in families. You get HPV through sexual contact with someone who has it. Most all of us who have had sex will become infected with either high risk or low risk HPV. If you and your boyfriend have never had sex anyone else, then most likely neither of you have HPV.
HPV is not known for having anything to do with ovarian cancer either. The next time you go for a pap, it wouldn't hurt to ask them to test you for HPV, just to be on the safe side.. Best wishes..
- By funkycervix
- Posted August 11, 2009 at 9:10 am
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Make sure you do your yearly paps!!!!! I know you said you have so that's awesome! Just make sure you keep up with it. I don't know much about genetics and what cancers run in families but it sounds like Eimaj does. Have you considered getting the gardasil shot?
- By funkycervix
- Posted August 11, 2009 at 9:12 am
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Also, I'd wait on the kids. You're so young! There's lots of time for kids later :)
- By ladybits
- Posted August 11, 2009 at 10:58 am
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Your next step is to convince your Gyn to do the HPV DNA test, The PAP test does not reveal HPV 16 and 18 because it does not identify the DNA of the virus. These strains are responsible for all the cancers in your family and on this blog. Back in 1987 or so the Cancer Society of America drew up some guidelines that were adopted by the medical community that put us in the position we are in namely PAP smears every year. Big mistake not to do a more recent study! But finally in 2003 or so they did a working group of experts and essentially decided that HPV test is the way to go and that women with hysterectomies also need testing if they are unsure whether the reason was HPV 16 and 18.
- By marsha123
- Posted August 11, 2009 at 11:55 am
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HPV is a virus spread through sexual contact and is not hereditary. Breast cancer is however, so see your GYN on a regular basis, especially since you became sexually active so early. Does your GYN know your sexual history? It's important that she does since it will influence your tests and treatment. Also, mention to her about your family history in case she hasn't brought it up. Be consientious, and stay safe, honey. M
- By Ducky6
- Posted August 12, 2009 at 1:05 pm
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However there is a slim chance of cervical cancer NOT coming from HPV. Take my case my mom, aunt, and some cousins have gone through cervical cancer that was not hpv. cervical cancer can't be "inherited" but can run in a family. And now my doc says i have abnormal cells had a biopsy and i will be going back in a month or so. what they do know is that it IS NOT hpv.
- By chamomile
- Posted August 12, 2009 at 4:07 pm
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My Aunt also had CC when she was my age. There may be a genetic pre-disposition to have persistant hpv ...once exposed. In other words, millions of people are exposed to hpv, including high risk hpv. However, only a fraction go on to develop cancer. There may be a genetic link to the immune system response to hpv exposure.
- By flowershoplady
- Posted August 12, 2009 at 8:11 pm
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Exactly, Chamomile. :) There are studies that have shown there is an increased risk for developing cervical cancer if a woman has a sister or mother who had cervical cancer, and the genetic component is how the body fights (or doesn't fight) the hp virus. And, there's no link between cervical cancer and ovarian cancer. But, there is a link between ovarian cancer and breast cancer. So, bottomline, CaptainColour, it would be good for you to have a regular doctor who knows your family and sexual histories and can best advise you on the best tests to perform for early detection if something should develop.
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