Cervical cancer is one of the significant health conditions that is growing worldwide. One of the major issues with it is the multiple misconceptions that surround the diseases. The disease involves multiplication and abnormal division of cervix cells at the lower part of the uterus. In the majority of cases, cervical cancer occurs due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
At Agilus Diagnostics, we offer a Pap smear test for diagnosing cervical cancer, which detects abnormal cells and HPV at the convenience of your home, and you can get the test reports online. It is essential to separate myths from facts surrounding this most curable gynaecological cancer so women can be empowered to do early detection and prevent it. Read on to have a better understanding of cervical cancer and what are the various facts you should learn about to put importance on vaccination and regular screenings to avoid its cancerous stage.
How is HPV linked to Cervical Cancer?
In the majority of conditions, Human papillomavirus, or HPV, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, might be the reason behind cervical cancer. Everyone who has engaged in sexual activity is at risk for cervical cancer due to persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains.
Apart from HPV, other key risk factors of cervical cancer can involve long-term oral contraceptive usage, smoking, starting sexual activities early or having many sexual partners while having a compromised immune system. All these can increase the possibility of developing cancerous cells. However, taking majors like HPV vaccines and routine checkups can reduce the risk.
What are the various HPV vaccines to take?
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Bivalent HPV Vaccine or Cervarix
In 70% of cervical cancer conditions, HPV strains 16 and 18 are the causing factor. The Cervarix, bivalent HPV vaccine can protect against these strains and lower the chance of cervical pre-cancerous lesions. It can prevent malignancies when the vaccine is given in a series of doses that spread over several months.
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Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine or Gardasil 4
The HPV vaccination Gardasil 4 is a quadrivalent shot that defends against HPV strains 6, 11, 16, and 18, which are associated with genital warts and cervical cancer. It will completely secure you against HPV-related conditions, including cervical cancer, and keep both males and females safe after taking two to three doses.
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9-Valent HPV Vaccine or Gardasil 9
Taking Gardasil 9 nine-valent vaccine will prevent HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. It offers a more comprehensive defence against high-risk pathogens, lowering your chance of developing conditions linked to HPV, including cervical cancer.
Learning the myths and facts regarding cervical cancer
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Only sexually active persons get cervical cancer
Although it is right that in the majority of cases, HPV causes cervical cancer that is transmitted via sexual acuities, the cancerous condition may happen due to a poor immune system, early sexual activities or family history with cervical cancer. There are multiple risk factors that cause the condition, regardless of whether you are sexually active or from a particular age group.
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HPV infection always causes cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is mostly associated with HPV infection. However, not all infections result in HPV or cancer. Suppose the HPV infection is long-term and has the most high-risk strains like HPV types 16 and 18. It is quite uncommon despite HPV being a primary risk factor, as other health condition factors can cause the cancerous condition.
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Cervical cancer is not preventable
Taking majors like regular screening for any infection and taking HPV vaccines can prevent cervical cancer, which makes it one of the most preventable cancers possible in medical science. You can also prevent it by testing for any STD risk and using protection before engaging in sexual activities. The cancer can be stopped in its development with routine pap smear screenings that identify abnormal alterations in cervical cells early on. Making lifestyle modifications to strengthen the immune system can lower the risk of cervical cancer.
Also Read: What Is Cervical Cancer? Symptoms And Treatment
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Cervical cancer can’t be cured
It is possible to cure cervical cancer if it is detected early with regular pap smear tests. If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, your healthcare professional can treat your condition with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy options with combined treatments. When the treatments are done promptly, the prognosis comes with positive results and improves the patient's survival rate.
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A pap smear test is painfully invasive
During the short Pap smear exam, medical professionals use a tiny brush or spatula to carefully remove cells from the cervix without any pain or injury. Although it's not painful, in some cases, women may find it uncomfortable. It is a standard pelvic examination that will give you the advantage of early identification of cervical cancer and increase the curability chance.
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Women should only worry about HPV infection
It is a common misconception that only women get HPV infections that lead to cancerous cases. In most cases, HPV infection also affects males. However, the biggest risk is that there is no specific screening solution for any cancer condition due to HPV. Hence, vaccination is the only solution for them. Moreover, even vaccinated women should get pap smears test as cervical cancer has no specific risk factor.
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Condoms can prevent HPV and cervical cancer risks
Condoms can only help with stopping the spread of HPV but don’t provide total protection against cancer. Although it should be combined with other preventative measures, you must take routine pap smear tests to be sure.
Final Thoughts:
Although cervical cancer is a serious public health concern, with a proper understanding of the cancer condition, staying informed about the facts and avoiding the surrounding myths, the condition can be prevented. When you act proactively and get regular tests by taking HPV vaccinations, it will reduce the risk factors of cervical cancer that will not threaten women’s health.
You can consult with healthcare professionals to learn about the steps you should take to reduce the potential risk of a cervical cancer diagnosis. Make sure to avoid smoking or tobacco consumption, any possible factors of HIV infection and being sexually active at an early age.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
