Cervical Cancer Prevention Myths Uncovered: What You Really Need to Know

This week is all about cervical cancer prevention and what better way to kick off the week than to debunk the myths and misconceptions? 

In this article, we’ll clarify the facts and explain why prevention and regular screenings are key to saving lives. 

We have acquired the help of leading UK gynaecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal and cervical cancer survivor and patient advocate Aisha McClellan. Here are some of the biggest key information clarified: 

Being hesitant is normal but there is support and information available to make the process easier

The Eve Appeal shares some light on the work they do: 

We listen to all individual concerns; offer personalised, evidence based, high quality and up-to-date information and support including tips to help women and those with a cervix feel empowered to attend their screenings, knowing different things they can do/ask for which will make it more comfortable for them...

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is More Widespread Than You Think

According to data from the Cancer Research UK website, HPV is a common virus that impacts people of all genders. Around 80% of individuals are expected to contract HPV at some point in their lives.

Aisha tells us: 

I wasn’t aware of how widespread HPV and cervical cancer are or how preventable the disease can be with proper measures. There’s so much stigma surrounding it that people often shy away from discussing it openly. I also didn’t fully grasp the role of regular screenings in catching abnormalities early and connecting them to cervical cancer risk.

Screenings Can Help With Early Diagnosis

Aisha says:

Get screened regularly and don’t delay your appointments, even if you feel fine. Prioritize your health, and don’t ignore persistent symptoms, no matter how minor they seem. Even if you are turned away the first time, continue to advocate for yourself to make sure your symptoms are addressed. Prevention and early detection save lives.

Cervical Cancer Can Affect Anyone

Back to Aisha, she adds: 

I assumed cervical cancer was something that mainly affected older women or those with a family history. It was a wake-up call to learn that the leading cause is HPV, a virus that’s incredibly common and doesn’t discriminate by age, background, and it doesn't matter how many sexual partners you have had, you can have sex one time and contract HPV.

Quick-fire Misconceptions

Through the services provided by The Eve Appeal, they frequently encounter questions arising from inaccurate information. Here’s a breakdown of the most common misconceptions:

• Cervical screening (aka smear test) is a test for cancer – No, it is a test to check the health of the cervix and look for pre-cancerous changes in the cervix.
• Abnormal cells mean cancer – No, abnormal cells on a smear test indicate that some of the cells in the cervix appear unusual and may require further investigation. While most abnormal results are not cancerous, they can sometimes be a sign of precancerous changes or infections that need treatment.
• Not having penetrative sex means cervical cancer won’t happen – It is possible to develop cervical cancer without being sexually active.
• Having the HPV vaccine means screening isn’t needed – Even if you've had the HPV vaccine, it's important to continue attending cervical screening appointments, as there's still a small risk of developing cervical cancer.
• The cervical screening is very painful – They shouldn’t be painful, but they may be uncomfortable for some. Here is how you can reduce some discomfort.
• Cervical screening checks for womb and ovarian cancer. – No, there are currently no screening tests for these two cancers, however be aware of the symptoms of womb and ovarian cancer here. 

For more information during Cervical Cancer prevention Week, head to The Eve Appeal website - here and be aware of their social media channels as they will be sharing information all week long!

Charity Check-in

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article. 

The Eve Appeal. This is an independent, non-profit organisation in the UK dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of consumers. It is best known for its consumer advocacy, research, and the publication of Which?, a trusted resource for product reviews and consumer advice. Find out more.

The Lady Garden Foundation. This UK-based charity focused on raising awareness and funding research for gynecological cancers, including cervical, ovarian, and womb cancers. Learn more here. 

Wellbeing Of Women. This charity is dedicated to improving women’s health through funding vital medical research, supporting clinical projects, and advocating for better healthcare services. Support them here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health And Wellbeing.