Because of Pap smears, most women no longer die from cervical cancer, which is a completely preventable disease. There are many other common misconceptions about cervical cancer that we need to know about. 1. Cervical cancer cannot be prevented Fact: Being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) is completely necessary to form cervical cancer. The virus is sexually transmitted, but most of the most troublesome types of infection can be prevented with the latest vaccines. Avoiding HPV infection significantly reduces a woman’s risk of cervical cancer. And usually after persistent HPV infection cervical cancer develops slowly and appears as precancerous lesions called atypical hyperplasia, which, if caught at this stage, can be treated more effectively to prevent development of cervical cancer; screening with Pap smears and HPV testing detects these precancerous lesions and patients can be treated early. Behavioral problems can also affect cervical cancer. A woman can reduce her risk of these problems by limiting the number of sexual partners in her lifetime, by not smoking, and by receiving screening instructions. Each of these behaviors is a known risk factor associated with cervical cancer. 2. I’m still young enough not to worry about cervical cancer Fact: The average age of a cervical cancer patient is 48 years old. This is not always the case, however, as people are diagnosed in their 20s. HPV infection and precancerous lesions with atypical hyperplasia are also common in younger people. 3. I don’t have sex, so I don’t need the HPV vaccine Fact: HPV can be transmitted between spouses through sexual intercourse, as well as through oral and contact transmission. 4. I have been vaccinated against HPV so I don’t need to use condoms during sexual intercourse Fact: This HPV vaccine will keep you from being infected with the four types of HPV, but there are other types of this virus and sexually transmitted diseases that this vaccine is helpless against. So continue to use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. 5. I don’t need a Pap test (exfoliative cell stain test) Fact: A woman should receive her first Pap test when she reaches the age of 21 or when she is in her 3rd year after she starts having sex. There are different recommendations for how often to get a Pap test, so ask your doctor how often you should be screened. 6. I’m too old to need a Pap test anymore Fact: The number of cervical cancer and HIV in the older population is increasing. Women may have new sexual partners, which increases their risk of cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. A Pap smear is needed, even if you are menopausal, have had a hysterectomy, or are over 65 years old. 7. My doctor gave me a gynecological exam, which is the same as a Pap test Fact: A Pap test collects cells from the cervix and sends them to a lab for measurement. A gynecological exam, on the other hand, is a physical examination of the cervix and other attachments by the doctor. Both are important for early diagnosis. These seven misconceptions are often committed by people. We hope that we can pay attention to cervical cancer, take precautions and have regular checkups to detect and treat cervical cancer in time.