Final answer:
The most common genital cancer in women is cervical cancer, which is often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). To reduce the risk, women are encouraged to undergo regular Pap tests and get the GARDASIL vaccine. Early detection of cervical cancer is crucial for effective treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common pelvic genital cancer in women is cervical cancer. This cancer affects the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer is usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common sexually transmitted virus. HPV includes strains that cause genital warts as well as strains that cause cervical cancer.
There are preventative measures for cervical cancer, including the Pap test, which can detect the early stages of cervical cancer, often leading to a cure if treated promptly. Moreover, there is an HPV vaccine, known as GARDASIL, which is recommended to be administered to females between the ages of 11 and 26 years to prevent infection with the virus and consequently reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.
It is important to note that while HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and significantly linked to cervical cancer, not all HPV strains lead to cancer. There are over 100 strains in the HPV family, and only some are high-risk types associated with the development of cervical and other cancers. Cervical cancer, when detected early, can often be treated effectively, highlighting the importance of regular screening and vaccination.