15 Common Myths About Cervical Cancer

About 9,700 women in the United States will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year. It may seem like a small number, until you consider that another 1.2 million women will develop a pre-cancerous condition called dysplasia. And if left untreated, dysplasia will become cervical cancer.

"Because of Pap smears, a huge number of women are no longer dying of cervical cancer in this country, but this is a disease that can be almost entirely prevented," says Carolyn Johnston, M.D., clinical associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School and a gynecologic oncologist at the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center.

In addition to early detection through screening, a new vaccine now available could help prevent cervical cancer. In honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, which is January, U-M experts respond to common myths and misconceptions about this disease.

Myth 1: Cervical cancer cannot be prevented.
Truth: Infection with the human papillomavirus, or HPV, is an absolute requirement for cervical cancer to develop. This virus is transmitted sexually, but the majority of the most worrisome types of infection can be prevented with a newly available vaccine. Preventing HPV infection dramatically reduces a woman's risk of cervical cancer. In addition, cervical cancer usually develops slowly after persistent infection with HPV and will first appear as a precancerous condition called dysplasia. If detected at this stage, it can be effectively treated to prevent cervical cancer from developing. Screening with Pap smears and tests for HPV detect these pre-cancerous conditions so patients are treated early.

Behavioral issues can also influence cervical cancer. "A woman can reduce her risk of these problems by limiting the number of sexual partners over a lifetime, by not smoking cigarettes and by following accepted screening guidelines. Each of these behaviors relates to known risk factors for this disease," says Anthony Opipari, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the U-M Medical School.

Myth 2: I'm too young to worry about cervical cancer.
Truth: The average age of cervical cancer patients is 48. While it's not common, women can be diagnosed in their 20s. HPV infection and the precancerous condition dysplasia are common in younger women.

Myth 3: I don't have intercourse, so I don't need the HPV vaccine.
Truth: HPV can be passed from one partner to another through intercourse, as well as orally and through touching. In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration a vaccine, Gardasil, to protect against four types of HPV, two of which are commonly linked to cervical cancer and two linked to genital warts. A CDC advisory committee recommended that Gardasil be given routinely to girls age 11-13. Until everyone is vaccinated, girls and women ages 13-26 are also candidates for the vaccine. Experts believe the vaccine should be given at a young age before a woman becomes sexually active.