[ad_1]
WAccording to new research, smear tests could be delayed because they fear that their results imply promiscuity. Polls of more than 2,000 women revealed that about four out of ten people thought that they were diagnosed with the human papillomavirus (HPV) – which can cause cancer of the cervix of the uterus – was a cause of shame.
About eight in ten women will be infected with HPV in their lifetime, but only those with specific high-risk virus types will develop cancer.
The Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust survey found that four out of ten women would be worried about what people would think if the results of their smears detected HPV.
And they feared just as much as the result would make their partner unfaithful – although the virus could remain dormant for decades.
The findings, presented at Cancer Research UK's early diagnosis conference in Birmingham, come as the UK's NHS prepares to replace the standard screening for cervical cancer, which looks for abnormal cells, for cancer. HPV testing later this year.
Studies suggest that the number of people developing cancer could be reduced by one-fifth because tests detect abnormalities much earlier, when they are easier to treat.
Research suggests that the number of cases each year will increase from 2,500 to 2,000 per year, in accordance with the plans.
The new survey found that seven out of ten women are afraid of being infected with HPV and that two-thirds of them are afraid of 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.
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 dormant and will not pose a problem.
"Screening for the virus is a better way to identify people likely to have cervical changes that, if left untreated, could progress to cervical cancer." HPV testing is an excellent 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 about booking and running for their cervical cancer screening appointment." of the uterus. "
[ad_2]
Source link
