Mother's cervical cancer fight sheds light on HPV's link to certain cancers and importance of preventive care

July 16, 2024 / 9:36 AM EDT / Sponsored Content

Sponsored by and provided by Merck

Gilma P. Gilma P.

In 2016, like many single parents, Gilma P. was juggling a hectic work life and caring for her teenage daughter, when she learned she had HPV-related cervical cancer after an abnormal Pap smear. "I was completely numb," says Gilma, as she didn't know that HPV could progress into something so serious.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is more common than you might think as most people will get it at some point in their lives. [1] For most, HPV clears on its own, but for those that don't clear the virus, it can lead to certain cancers and diseases later in life. [2,3,4,5] According to data from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) from 2016-2020, in the United States, tens of thousands of people were diagnosed with certain HPV-related cancers and diseases. [6] And like it was for Gilma, approximately 80% of cervical cancers are associated with HPV. [7]

Following her first diagnosis, Gilma underwent a successful surgery and additional treatment. Gilma thought she had beat it. But then-the pandemic hit, and she skipped a Pap smear. When she finally went to the doctor after months of experiencing pain, she was told that the cancer had come back and spread throughout her body, including in her lungs and bones. After several rounds of further treatment, she is now in remission. "I really thought I was going to die," says Gilma, "but it's a miracle and I don't want to waste this opportunity to pursue my personal interests, including educating others about HPV and its link to certain cancers."

Gilma enjoys a refreshing walk through a stunning flower-filled path. Gilma P.

As a mother and cancer survivor, she is passionate about encouraging parents to learn more about the risks of HPV and understand proactive measures that can be taken to help protect their adolescent's health.

After her experience, here are Gilma's top three tips for parents when it comes to HPV:

Understand the Risks of HPV, Related Cancers and Early Prevention: HPV does not discriminate based on age, race, or gender - and many individuals with HPV are unaware of its link to certain cancers later in life, or that they have it since it usually has no visible signs or symptoms. [8] The CDC notes that HPV vaccination, a type of prevention against certain HPV-related cancers, may begin at age nine, and recommends routine adolescent HPV vaccination at ages 11-12. [9] "I had heard about HPV since my mother had an infection that cleared on its own, but I didn't know about its link to certain cancers before I was diagnosed in 2016," says Gilma. "Having the right information about HPV is crucial, so as parents we need to be proactively discussing HPV with our children's doctors to learn more about it."

Prioritize Wellness Visits: While it can be easy to push routine check-ups to the bottom of the to-do list when life gets hectic - nothing is more important than one's health. "From my experience, my daughter has seen firsthand the importance of not skipping a routine check-up," says Gilma. Annual wellness visits help ensure that your adolescent is healthy, well-informed, and prepared to make positive health choices as they move toward adulthood. Regular check-ups support not just physical health, but emotional, social, and mental well-being as well. In addition, they provide a great opportunity to continue discussions with your child's pediatrician about healthy habits, such as routine preventive care for HPV, including screenings and vaccination.

Foster an Open Dialogue: Maintaining open communication and educating your adolescent about HPV, how it is transmitted, and its potential health effects is fundamental. This dialogue can also be an opportunity to discuss broader topics of preventive care, laying a foundation for healthy practices as they grow older. "Talking about personal health was a taboo topic when I was growing up so, I didn't have information about HPV," Gilma notes. "I make sure that my daughter knows that it is serious, and I encourage her to make informed decisions about her health."

As Gilma continues her health journey, she encourages parents to use these tips and feel empowered to learn more about HPV and HPV-related cancers and diseases. By prioritizing HPV awareness and proactive approaches to care prevention, we can not only help protect our children's health but also contribute to public health worldwide. For more information about HPV, speak with a healthcare provider and visit hpv.com.

More from CBS News