There is a lot of factual information out there about cervical cancer and yet the myths still persist. These myths can be a powerful deterrent to women taking care of their health in the most effective way. If you’re wondering what you should believe about this condition, then look no further. These are 7 common myths that you need to stop believing right now. The truth can save your life.
1. Nobody In My Family Had It So I Won’t Get It
While some forms of cancer such as breast cancer are more likely to occur if there’s a family history, cervical cancer doesn’t fall under that category.
This type of cancer is caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and anyone who has been sexually active can be exposed. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 80% of people who have been sexually active have been infected with the virus.
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2. I Don’t Need Pap Smears If I’ve Had The HPV Vaccine
There are over 100 strains of the human papillomavirus and the vaccine is only effective against some of them.
That means that while the vaccine can stop the progression of the virus to cervical cancer, there are other strains that it might not work against. It’s best to keep getting your pap smear tests done so you can be sure that you have no abnormal cells.
3. HPV Clears Up On Its Own
The virus does clear up on its own in a few cases but that doesn’t go for everyone. In many others, it goes on to cause cervical cancer as well as genital warts.
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Since exposure to the virus is so common, it’s a good idea to get tested for it regularly so you can be treated and take proper precautions in the future.
RELATED: What do Your Pap Smear Test Results Mean?
4. Everybody Needs An Annual Pap Smear
The schedule for pap smears is not set in stone. It’s recommended that anyone who is sexually active get a test but if your results are normal, you typically need to do one every three years up to the age of 29. From the age of 30 until 64, every five years is acceptable. After the age of 65, it’s up to your doctor to determine what’s best for you. Of course, if the results aren’t normal, a different schedule will apply.
5. There’s No Treatment For Cervical Cancer
There are definitely treatments for cervical cancer. If you’ve been diagnosed, the option that your doctor chooses will depend on the stage of your cancer as well as any other chronic illnesses that you may be dealing with.
Typically, however, the options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery to remove the affected tissue.
6. I Don’t Need To Worry If I Haven’t Had Multiple Partners
While it’s true that having multiple partners is one of the risk factors for catching HPV and developing cervical cancer, it’s not the only one.
The risk factors for cervical cancer include being Black, exposure to other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), smoking, and having a compromised immune system. In any case, HPV infections are so common that having only one partner is no guarantee that you haven’t been exposed.
RELATED: 5 Warning Signs Of Cervical Cancer Every Black Woman Should Know
7. As Long As I Don’t Have Any Symptoms I’m Fine
This is a particularly dangerous myth. Cervical cancer is, unfortunately, one of the conditions that can have few to no symptoms in its early stages.
In many cases, the first signs that some people report include changes in menstrual bleeding and pain during sex. Even then, it could still mean that the cancerous tissue has spread. It’s best not to take any chances and get tested.
Cervical cancer is a common condition that Black women deal with and the only way to ensure that it doesn’t spread is to be preventive. It’s important to get screened as often as your doctor recommends and go through with any follow-up consultations that are necessary. Many doctors also recommend getting the HPV vaccine as long as you’re eligible.
