Obtaining your test results

Interested HITCH participants will be provided with the results of their HPV tests performed for the HITCH Cohort Study when the female partner has completed her participation. Because these tests are done for research purposes, it may take a few months for results to become available after your last clinic visit. Please be assured that our research staff will contact you as soon as your test results are available. Results are strictly confidential and are not disclosed to anyone other than the participant. In order to help us to provide your results in a timely fashion, please keep us informed of any changes to your contact information.

cancerepid.oncology [at] mcgill.ca (Update your contact info)

If you have obtained a positive HPV result through the HITCH Study, you may have concerns about your health or be feeling anxious. The HITCH Study team has prepared a series of films and pamphlets that will help to address those concerns.

A series of short videos can be viewed by clicking on the following links. You will need to use QuickTime Player to view these videos. (Download a free version of QuickTime Player.)

If you have only a little time, the introductory video emphasizes the most important information for HPV-positive women and men. More details can be found in the subject-specific videos.

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

Overview
[QuickTime Movie - 3.05 MB] 

THE NATURE OF HPV

The nature of HPV 
[QuickTime Movie - 5.08 MB] 

  • What is HPV?
  • What does the distinction between low-risk and high-risk mean?
  • How common is HPV?
  • How did I get HPV?
  • Once I have HPV, do I have it forever?
  • If I already had HPV, can I get it again?
  • What are the risks associated with a high-risk type?

THE MEANING OF HPV-DNA AND PAP TEST RESULTS

Meaning of a HPV-positive result or an abnormal Pap 
[QuickTime Movie - 6.26 MB] 

  • What is an HPV-DNA test?
  • What is a Pap test?
  • What does an abnormal Pap test result mean?
  • If I have a positive Pap, will I develop cancer?
  • If I have a positive Pap, will I develop warts?
  • What does it mean to have a positive HPV-DNA result but a negative Pap?

DEALING WITH A POSITIVE HPV-DNA OR ABNORMAL PAP TEST RESULT

Dealing with a positive HPV-result or abnormal Pap 
[QuickTime Movie - 3.64 MB] 

  • Is there treatment for HPV?
  • Is there treatment for genital warts?
  • Is there treatment following an abnormal Pap test?
  • Should I tell my partner I have HPV?
  • Is it too late for me to have the vaccine?

MINIMIZING YOUR RISKS OF TRANSMISSION AND CANCER

Minimizing risks of transmission and cancer 
[QuickTime Movie - 2.82 MB] 

  • How can I prevent giving HPV to my partner or future partners?
  • Could my partner and I infect each other repeatedly?
  • What can I do to help the infection clear more quickly?
  • Many people in my family have had cancer. Does it make me more likely to develop cancer from an HPV infection?

FOR MEN

For Men 
[QuickTime Movie - 2.95 MB] 

  • What does it mean for a man to have a positive HPV-DNA result?
  • Is there a treatment for men?
  • As a man, can I have the vaccine?
  • What are my responsibilities towards my partner?

We hope that the above resources will address all of your questions and concerns about HPV test results. If you have any remaining questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

hitch.cohort [at] mcgill.ca (Contact the HITCH Cohort Study with a question about HPV results.)

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