HPV is serious business, and it’s transmitted sexually. As with anything related to sex, it is a taboo topic in the Vietnamese household. However, knowing about it, and what can be done, can save your life.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that infects humans, leading to one of the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). While most infections do not cause symptoms, some can lead to warts and, in serious cases, even cervical cancer. Each year, 12,000 American women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, almost all being HPV-related. Vietnamese-American women, in particular, are known to have the highest incident of cervical cancer in the United States (up to 5 times more than Caucasians); and this is likely the result of less frequent Pap screening rather than biological differences.
Anh Tran, a Berkeley graduate, is working with Dr. Gloria Wu to evaluate how much, or little, the Vietnamese community is aware of HPV and cervical cancer. Help her by taking a short 14-question survey. The goal is to reach 1,000 participants. Do it and pass it on to your friends and family.
Google Docs: HPV Awareness Survey
Do you know of organizations in Vietnam officially working with sharing this information about HPV; organizations I could approach to do educational talks? All the best, Linda Burn, Children’s Education Foundation – Vietnam