Any Mother's Daughter
One Woman's Lifelong Struggle with HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
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About the Book
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that some 20 million Americans have contracted HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and 6.2 million more will contract the virus each year.
HPV has become the single most sexually transmitted disease. It is known to cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal and penile cancer. However, it is now also associated with cancers of the lung, head and neck as well as oral cancers. Current research is showing that this virus can be transmitted in other ways separate from a component of sexual transmission.
This compelling true story of one woman's lifelong struggle with HPV (Human Papillomavirus), "Any Mother's Daughter" describes the author's intensely personal experience with the most frequently sexually transmitted disease.
Through the use of her autobiographical accounts, combined with explanations of the various types, grading and potential complications of HPV, the author brings a new understanding to patients. Up-to-date medical information including diagnosis, treatments, procedures, and a host of other material compiled to assist the reader in understanding this most common yet most misunderstood virus and the diseases it can potentially cause.
Professor Harald zur Hausen MD, a virologist, HPV researcher and Nobel Prize Winner in Medicine 2008 for his discovery that HPV causes cervical cancer, makes the following comments regarding this "must read" book:
"This is not only a book for "any mother's daughter" but also for everyone who wishes to become informed about HPV infections, but it also belongs into the hands of many practicing physicians who need to refresh their knowledge of HPV."
"Importantly, this book is an outcry shaking up those who are not willing to consider a mainly sexually transmitted infection a serious threat....."
About the Author
Bonnie Diraimondo is a registered nurse who was diagnosed with HPV (Human Papillomavirus) in 1987. She has unfortunately suffered from dysplasias (premalignant lesions) as well as cancer caused by this virus involving the cervix, vagina, vulva and anus. She was diagnosed with an invasive anal cancer in 1991 when her daughter was only six weeks old. Ms. Diraimondo's treatment at that time included surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
The HPV virus can remain dormant for years, and in 2009, after suffering premalignant anal dysplasias for the prior three years, she was again diagnosed with invasive anal cancer. For the second time, she is in the "fight of her life" having to endure both radiation and chemotherapy once more.
Frustrated with the continued lack of knowledge and understanding regarding HPV amongst patients and physicians, now well over two decades since her own initial diagnosis, she has written "Any Mother's Daughter” to help fill this enormous information gap.