Final answer:
Persistent infection with HPV 16, a high-risk strain of the human papillomavirus, increases the risk of pre-cancerous changes within 3-5 years. Such risks underscore the importance of regular Pap tests and HPV vaccinations like Gardasil for both early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The risk of developing pre-cancerous changes due to persistent HPV 16 infection after 3-5 years can be significant. HPV 16 is one of the high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus, strongly associated with cervical cancer. Regular screening methods like Pap tests and vaccinations such as Gardasil are critical for prevention and early detection of cervical cancer.
Persistent high-risk HPV infection, particularly with HPV 16 or HPV 18, is linked to the development of more than 70% of cervical cancers. When an HPV infection is not cleared by the immune system within approximately 2 years, the risk of pre-cancerous changes increases. However, it's also vital to recognize that other factors, such as smoking and a weakened immune system, can exacerbate the risk of cervical cancer in individuals with an HPV infection.