Despite all the advancements that medical science has made over the years, cancer still holds a lot of interest. It’s surrounded with prejudice and erroneous ideas in addition to fear. The same applies to cervical cancer. We lack awareness-raising initiatives for the condition, despite the fact that it is common in developing nations like India.
Dispelling the myths around any condition, according to Ziqitza Healthcare Ltd, is the first step in raising awareness of it. Ziqitza is one of India’s leading emergency healthcare service providers. Let’s look at some common misconceptions about cervical cancer, dispel them all, and learn the truth. By doing so, it will be possible to effectively raise awareness of cervical cancer and put light on the condition.
Myth #1
Pap tests must be performed annually.
Fact: As per Ziqitza Healthcare, the truth is that you don’t need to choose an annual Pap test if your Pap test and HPV test are both normal. Depending on the age category a woman belongs to, specific cervical cancer guidelines recommend Pap testing for her.
- Pap test every three years for people aged 21 to 29.
- Pap and HPV tests every five years for people aged 30 to 64.
- Ages 65 and up: Consult your doctor about whether you should continue the tests.
Myth #2
HPV is uncommon, and it affects people who have multiple partners; I don’t need to get the HPV vaccine or a Pap test.
Fact: Ziqitza Rajasthan says that it couldn’t be further from the truth. HPV is widespread, affecting 80% of men and women.
Myth #3
HPV disappears on its own.
Fact: While this is true in some cases, ZHL Rajasthan claims that making such assumptions is risky. In some cases, HPV infection persists, resulting in serious health problems such as genital warts and various types of cancer.
Myth #4
Because I had cervical cancer, I can’t have children.
Fact: A hysterectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy are all used during treatment. However, there are many treatment options available today that can cure a patient while also allowing her to have children.
Myth #5
Cervical cancer is hereditary.
Facts: Cervical cancer, unlike breast or ovarian cancer, does not run in families, according to Ziqitza Limited Rajasthan. It is caused by HPV, and the best way to avoid it is to get vaccinated or to have regular Pap or HPV tests.
Myth #6
Cervical cancer has no known cause.
Fact: Cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus, which is always transmitted sexually.
Myth #7
If you have HPV, you will almost certainly develop cervical cancer.
Fact: According to Ziqitza Health Care Limited, this is not always the case. There are over 100 HPV virus strains, and only a few of them cause cervical cancer. In most cases, the virus is eliminated by the body’s immune system within two years. In some cases, however, the virus persists and causes the cells in the cervix to grow abnormally, leading to cervical cancer.
In reality, having HPV does not increase your risk of developing cervical cancer. At some time in their life, most women will be exposed to HPV, and for most of them, infections with HPV will disappear without any complications. But in other women, the infection lasts for a long time and results in the formation of abnormal cells, which can later lead to cervical cancer. Women who have specific “high-risk” HPV infections can be detected and closely watched thanks to HPV testing. Before cervical cancer has an opportunity to develop, precancerous cell alterations brought on by the HPV virus can be identified and treated early.
Myth #8
I don’t need to be screened because I don’t have any symptoms.
Fact: There are no symptoms associated with abnormal cell growth. Screening is also recommended to detect any anomalies.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer to affect women. Women can reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer by taking preventive steps including immunization and routine screening.