fbpx

Cervical Cancer Myths Busted

Cervical cancer is considered the fourth most frequent cancer in women with nearly 13,000 women in the United States diagnosed each year. These numbers are startling. However, with vaccinations and early care, many of these women can prevent or lessen the severity of cancer.

That’s why the month of January is so critical in women’s health. January is recognized as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and empowers people living with cervical cancer and advocates for screening and the HPV vaccination — two factors that can prevent cervical cancer.

With that said, it’s important to understand what HPV is and how it is linked to certain cancers.

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. The HPV infection has been known to cause cancer in the genitals, head, neck, and throat. Cervical cancer is by far the most common HPV-related disease and nearly 70% of cases are attributable to HPV infection.

We sat down with Patti A. Hackney, MSN, APRN, CNM and Kelli Snider, LPN at Barbour Community Health Association to bust some common myths surrounding cervical cancer and vaccinations:

  1. Myth: Only girls should receive the HPV vaccination.

Fact: HPV affects both men and women and can cause genital warts, penile, anal, and oral cancer. It can also be easily transmitted to a sexual partner without either of the partners knowing.

  1. Myth: The HPV vaccination causes HPV.

Fact: The vaccine has been researched for many years (including at least 10 years of research before it could even be used in humans) and is highly monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Vaccinations in the U.S. have never been safer because of the stringent standards the FDA uses.

  1. Myth: My child doesn’t need the vaccine; they aren’t sexually active.

Fact: It’s recommended that your child receive the HPV vaccination as soon as possible to prevent them from exposure to the virus. Two doses of the HPV vaccine are recommended for all boys and girls at ages 11-12; the vaccine can be given as early as age 9. If you wait until they’re 15 or older, they need three doses instead of two.

  1. Myth: HPV isn’t common.

Fact: HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and is mainly transmitted through sexual contact with over 80 million Americans currently infected. In fact, nearly every male and female will be infected with at least one type of HPV at least once in their lifetime. This is why early vaccination is so important to preventing the spread and exposure of HPV.

  1. Myth: The HPV vaccination isn’t safe.

Fact: The Centers for Disease Control indicate that with over 12 years of monitoring and research, the HPV vaccination is very safe. Each HPV vaccine went through years of extensive safety testing before they were licensed by the U.S. FDA. The FDA only licenses a vaccine if it is safe, effective, and the benefits outweigh the risks.

With this information in mind, understand that standard GYN visits, routine screenings and vaccination could save you or a loved one’s life from cervical cancer or other cancers that can be brought on from HPV.

If you have any further questions, give Barbour Community Health Association a call today!