8 Common Myths About Cervical Cancer Debunked

Cervical cancer in Singapore

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, being the 10th most common cancer among Singaporean women. However, despite how prevalent it is, there are still many cervical cancer myths that may result in confusion and misunderstandings. 

Myth #1: Only women who often have sex get HPV.

Fact #1: Any woman who has had sex could have been exposed to HPV, regardless of how many partners they have had. Moreover, it is important to note that virgins or people who have engaged in non-penetrative sex are still at risk of contracting HPV through skin-to-skin contact.

Learn more about if virgins can get cervical cancer and more facts about cervical cancer here.

Myth #2: You need to get a Pap smear every year.

Fact #2: A Pap smear is done to look for abnormal/precancerous cells on the cervix. There is no need to get one every year. Usually, it is recommended for women between ages 21 and 29 to get it every 3 years and for women above 30 to get it every 5 years alongside an HPV test. 

Myth #3: If you have HPV, it means you will definitely get cervical cancer.

Fact #3: Having HPV does not mean you have or will get cervical cancer. Most HPV infections go away on their own after being cleared by your immune system. In fact, most people will probably be unaware that they have even had HPV! However, if the HPV infection persists, it can lead to serious health problems such as genital warts and the growth of abnormal cells that will eventually develop into cervical cancer.

Myth #4: Women with HPV will experience symptoms.

Fact #4: Some low-risk strains of HPV can cause genital warts, which may be embarrassing but are not cancerous in and of themselves. However, the high-risk strains of HPV may cause the formation of abnormal cells within the cervix that will develop into cervical cancer. These abnormal cells often do not have symptoms and will go completely undetected until the cervical cancer develops. Hence, it is recommended to go for regular screenings to detect and identify the cancer in its early stages to increase your chances of recovery.

Myth #5: The only way I can prevent cervical cancer is through Pap smears or HPV testing.

Fact #5: Besides the HPV vaccination, your risk for cervical cancer can be minimised by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing safe sex by using contraceptives such as condoms, and avoiding the following risk factors:

• Smoking or consuming other nicotine products.

• Engaging with multiple sexual partners.

• Having sexual intercourse at an early age.

• Contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia.

• Contracting a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which weakens your immune system.

Myth #6: If you get the HPV vaccination, you no longer need Pap or HPV testing.

Fact #6: The HPV vaccination is only fully effective when taken before any type of exposure to HPV and only protects against 9 of the 12 types of cancer-causing HPV strains. The overall efficacy of the vaccine drops when given to women who have been sexually active and are older than 26. 

Ideally, women should take the vaccine between ages 9 and 27 and before they become sexually active. However, all women should go for regular Pap and/or HPV testing, regardless of the vaccination status.

Myth #7: An abnormal Pap smear result means I have cervical cancer.

Fact #7: An abnormal result after taking a Pap smear is not always a confirmation of cervical cancer, but it usually means there is a presence of abnormal/precancerous cells. If the results of your Pap smear come back as “abnormal,” you will be required to go for further assessments by a gynaecologist to discuss and determine the next steps. The abnormality can also be caused by different factors other than the presence of precancerous cells. 

Myth #8: Cervical cancer is hereditary.

Fact #8: Unlike other types of cancers like breast cancer and ovarian cancer, cervical cancer is not hereditary. It is primarily caused by HPV infection. The earlier cervical cancer is detected, the faster the intervention, and the higher the chances of recovery. 

Concerned about contracting cervical cancer? Request an appointment with our specialists in gynaecology at Thomson Medical for a personalised treatment plan.

FAQ

Can you live 10 years after cervical cancer?

Around 60 out of every 100 (60%) will survive their cervical cancer diagnosis for 5 years or more. Around 50 out of every 100 (50%) will survive their cancer for 10 years or more after diagnosis.

Why am I suddenly HPV positive?

Sometimes, after several negative HPV tests, you may have a positive HPV test result. This is usually not a sign of a new HPV infection; rather, a previous HPV infection has become active again.

Can a couple get HPV without cheating?

A recent diagnosis of precancerous or cancerous lesion(s) due to HPV infections does not necessarily mean that a partner has been unfaithful. The HPV infection may have occurred years ago, and the virus remained in the body for weeks or years without any sign of an infection.

Should I panic if I test positive for HPV?

There is no need to panic. If you test positive for HPV, the risk of cancer developing is very small, but you should discuss with your doctor the follow-up steps should you need any form of treatment to ensure the prevention of the development of abnormal/precancerous cells.

Will I be HPV positive forever?

Most cases of HPV infections disappear on their own within two years without causing any health problems. If the HPV infection does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts and abnormal cell growths, which develop into cervical cancer. 

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.