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.
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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.
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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.
