Cervical cancer: Dispelling Myths and Revealing Truths

Cervical cancer is said to be the fourth most widespread cancer in women that is associated with HPV. Cervical cancer is described as a preventable disease, and if detected at early stages, have better prognosis rates. However, in high-income countries with functional vaccination and screening campaigns, the condition is considered is declining. Ending on a positive note however, the ailment is lethal to females in the low- and middle-income countries due to lack of finances present themselves at the hospital with severe and irreversible diseases. Also, cervical cancer is one of the topics that is accompanied with a lot of myths. Here we put our effort to understand myths of this disease and separate them from the truths.

Myth 1: The risk of cervical cancer only affects women withy family history

Truth:  Though family history is one of the high-risk causes for cervical cancer, it does not mean that the person without family history does not get it. The main reason for this cancer is Human Papillomavirus (HPV) it can be contracted at any time by women.

Myth 2: It is difficult to prevent the occurrence of cervical cancer

Truth:  Cervical cancer is said to be the preventable cancer type with HPV vaccine. It is evident in most of the countries that the incidence of cervical cancer has come down due to periodic screening such as pap smears and vaccination drive 

Myth 3: Only elderly women are affected with cervical cancer

Truth:  The fact is that cervical cancer can affect women with all age groups. As per data the cancer is likely to occur in women over 30 years.

Myth 4: If You Have HPV, You Will Definitely Get Cervical Cancer

Though HPV is the root cause of cervical cancer, not all types of HPV strains lead to cervical cancer higher risk is linked with type 16 and 18 more; not all women with HPV will get cervical cancer. The presence of the herpes virus in the body does not necessarily mean that the individual will contract herpes since one’s immune system can flush it out before it faster and cause the disease. However, the findings of research reveal that there is a probability of developing a cancer-associated disease in women infected with HPV if they are also involved in smoking. It can also be almost certain that long term tobacco use will inevitably lead to DNA changes in cervix cells which lead to cervical carcinoma. However, it should be pointed out that although smoking raises the probabilities of cervical cancer occurrence, it does not cause the disease on its own. Hence it is important that women infected with HPV should abstain from smoking and any practices that can worsen the effect of HPV in the body.

Myth 5: Screening is required only after the start of symptoms

Truth: Since the symptoms of cervical cancer is not evident at early stages. It is important to undergo regular screening test like Pap smear and HPV test. This test examines the development of cancerous cells at early stages which is helpful before the start of any symptoms and initiate the treatment to stop the further development of cancerous cells.

Myth 6: If women is having multiple sexual partners than the risk of cervical cancer increases.

Truth: Having multiple sexual partners is one of the reasons to increase the cervical cancer risk but this is not a sole factor. The risk increases can also increase through multiple factors such as smoking and weak immune system.

Myth 7: Cervical cancer treatment leads to potential side effects of infertility.

Truth: Since cervical cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc can be associated with infertility but is not applicable in all cases. Early diagnosis can provide treatment to spare the fertility in women by adding fertility sparing treatment as one of the options.

Myth 8: Cervical cancer ultimately leads to death

Truth: Treating cervical cancer with best treatment is possible due to advancement in medical science. However, when the cancer is diagnosed at early stages along with proper follow-up and regular treatment the results will be more improved, compared to late-stage diagnosis.

Conclusion

Like any type of cancer cervical cancer comes with its own myths and misconceptions. A pap smear test can detect abnormal cell changes which can be carcinogenic. When such cells are found at initial stage they can be removed through cryotherapy, thermal ablation or biopsy. Vaccination and periodic screening are the essential elements when it comes to prevention and early diagnosis. When one is worried about symptoms and having a member affected with cervical cancer in their family it is better to consult with the doctor for better outcomes.