Cancer of the cervix is one of the most common types of cancer among women in the world. It is largely possible to be protected by vaccination from cervical cancer, whose most important cause is HPV, which is transmitted sexually. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that generally gives no sign and is diagnosed during routine screening.
Wrong: Cervical Cancer Is Seen After the Menopause
Cervical cancer, whose cause is HPV infection, has no connection with the menopause. HPV infection is most often seen in the 24-year-old age group. Starting from the fact that cervical cancer can develop 10-20 years after the HPV infection is acquired, it can be said that cervical cancer can frequently be seen at young ages.
Wrong: Cervical Cancer Shows No Signs at All
Cervical cancer generally follows an insidious course and can progress to advanced stages without giving signs. However, signs such as bleeding after sexual intercourse, groin pain, bleeding between periods and foul-smelling discharge can be a herald of cervical cancer. For this reason a doctor should be consulted when these complaints are encountered.
Wrong: Cervical Cancer Is Genetic
The sexually transmitted HPV virus makes an important contribution to cervical cancer. There is no transmission within the family, and not everyone who has HPV develops cancer. In addition, those with a family history of cervical cancer do not carry an extra high risk with regard to cervical cancer.
Wrong: The Success Rate in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer Is Low
In cases of cervical cancer caught at an early stage and treated straight away, the success rate is quite high (80%-85%), and it can even be managed without the need for very extensive surgery. It is a type of cancer that is quite easy to diagnose early and is far from being fatal.
Wrong: Those Who Have Been Vaccinated No Longer Need Follow-Up or Smear Tests!
Although HPV, which causes cervical cancer to develop, has more than 100 types, a protective vaccine has been developed against only two of the types that lead to cervical cancer. There is as yet no certain information as to whether the vaccines that provide protection against HPV 16 and HPV 18 give lifelong protection. In addition, the patient can catch other types of HPV. Therefore routine follow-up and smear tests continue in exactly the same way in those vaccinated against cervical cancer.
Wrong: Cervical Cancer Is Not Contagious!
HPV, the most important risk factor identified so far in cervical cancer, is the most widely sexually transmitted virus and is very common in society. Although cervical cancer is not directly contagious, HPV, which causes cervical cancer to develop, is a contagious virus.
Wrong: Cervical Cancer Is a Type of Cancer That Is Difficult to Diagnose Early!
In the early period, cervical cancer can easily be diagnosed with a gynaecological examination and the Pap smear test. Indeed, the precursor lesions before cancer appears can be detected much earlier with only an examination and a smear test.