Millions skip cervical cancer and HPV checks over fears they’ll be judged for sleeping around
WOMEN are skipping life-saving cancer checks over fears they will be seen as promiscuous.
Research suggests millions are missing out on cervical screening in a bid to avoid potential embarrassment.
The checks look for the human papilloma virus (HPV) – which is commonly transmitted during sex.
Around four in five Brits will have the sex bug at some point in their lifetime.
Women with the virus are at much higher risk of cervical cancer and are offered follow-up checks by the NHS.
But a poll by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust reveals 40 per cent fear a HPV diagnosis suggests they have slept around.
The survey of 2,000 women found a similar number thought a positive test may mean their partner has been cheating.
Overall, two-thirds wrongly said having the virus meant they had cancer. Only one in six realised having the sex bug was common.
The findings will be presented at Cancer Research UK’s Early Diagnosis Conference in Birmingham today.
Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s director of early diagnosis, said: “It’s really concerning that there’s so much misunderstanding about HPV.
"It’s a very common virus and most of the time, it will sit dormant and not cause a problem.
“Testing for the virus is a better way to identify people who may have changes in their cervix, which, if left untreated, could develop into cervical cancer.”
Uptake for cervical cancer screening is at an all-time low, with research suggesting embarrassment over smear tests putting almost five million women off.
Medics currently look for abnormal cells that could lead to tumours. If found, they also likely to test for the presence of HPV.
But the scheme is being replaced by checks for the virus first. Experts claim this new, more accurate approach could save 500 lives a year.
About 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and 1,000 dying annually.
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Robert Music, Chief Executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “HPV is a really common virus which most of us will have in our lives.
“In most cases the immune system will clear the infection, often without us ever knowing we have it, however in some cases it can cause cell changes in the cervix which need monitoring or treatment to prevent them developing into cervical cancer.
“As the virus is so common and there is no way to fully prevent getting it, it is essential that we reduce the level of fear, shame and misunderstanding surrounding it.”