Social stigma around HPV could deter women from screening for cervical cancer

The social stigma and myths surrounding the human papillomavirus (HPV) could be of concern to women, including fears about the fidelity of their partners and deterring them from going for cervical screening, according to a study presented at the conference on the early diagnosis of Cancer Research UK in Birmingham (Wednesday).

A survey conducted by Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust with more than 2,000 women showed that the wide range of stigma badociated with HPV included shame, fear and promiscuity. Nearly 40% said they would be worried about what people would think if they were told that they had HPV and more than 40% fear that their partner was not unfaithful.

Seven in ten women would be afraid to learn that they were infected with HPV and two-thirds would be afraid that they would have cancer.

Many of the women who responded did not understand the link between HPV and cancer. One in three did not know that it could cause cancer of the cervix and almost all did not know that it could cause cancer of the throat or mouth.

The researchers found that only 15% of respondents understood that HPV was commonplace. Eight out of 10 women will have some form of HPV infection during their lifetime, but very few of them with specific types of high risk virus will develop cancer.

Sara Hiom, director of early diagnosis for Cancer Research UK, said: "It is really worrying that there is so much misunderstanding about HPV. It is a very common virus and, most of the time, it will remain inactive and will not cause any problem.

"Screening for the virus is a better way to identify people who may have cervical changes that, if left untreated, could develop into cervical cancer." HPV testing So is a great way to prevent the development of cervical cancer.

"Every woman has a choice to get tested, but breaking down the myths and eliminating the stigma around HPV is essential for people to feel more confident to make an appointment for their cervical cancer screening appointment. of the uterus. "

This research comes as England prepares to replace the existing cervical cancer screening test, which looks for abnormal cells, with HPV testing later this year. *

People participating in cervical cancer screening will not notice anything different, but the new test can identify more precisely women who are more likely to develop abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer.

Currently, samples taken during screening are sent for microscopic badysis to look for abnormal cell changes that can lead to cancer.

When HPV testing is introduced, samples will first be tested for the presence of HPV. If the test is positive, the sample will then be badyzed by specialists under a microscope to look for cellular changes. This has proven to be much more effective at preventing cancer.

At the Cancer Research UK Early Diagnosis Conference, Robert Music, General Manager of Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, said, "We need to tackle the misunderstanding that surrounds HPV, and most people will contract the virus. in the course of their lives, it is therefore worrisome that these high levels of fear or shame are badociated.With the screening program now going to the HPV screening test, which must be celebrated, we need to normalize the virus so that people fully understand what it means.

Cancer Research UK has helped to demonstrate the benefit of cervical cancer screening, which now avoids every year thousands of cervical cancer deaths.