to shame women could delay cancer screening

The social stigma and myths surrounding the human papillomavirus (HPV) could make women anxious and possibly deter them from being screened for cervical cancer.

According to a study presented at Cancer Research UK's early diagnosis conference in Birmingham, UK, negative perceptions about the human papillomavirus could have a detrimental effect on women, including raising fears about fidelity of their partners and away from cervical screening.

Misconceptions about human papillomavirus

Sara Hiom, director of early diagnosis at Cancer Research UK, explains: "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 without causing any problem. "

A Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust survey of more than 2,000 women found 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 of them when they learned that they had HPV and more than 40% fear that their partner has been 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.

Understanding the link between HPV and 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.

He adds, "Screening for the virus is a better way to identify people who may 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. "

To remedy misunderstandings

Robert Music, Managing Director of Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, told the Cancer Research UK early diagnosis conference: "We need to address the level of misunderstanding around HPV.

"Most people will contract the virus in their lifetime, so it's worrying to see such a high level of fear or shame.

"With the screening program now going to HPV testing, which needs to be celebrated, we need to standardize the virus so that people understand exactly what it means."