Busting myths about cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it still affects thousands of people each year. The National Cancer Institute* estimated that in the U.S. 13,360 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2025, and about 4,320 people will die from the disease. Most of these cases could be prevented with HPV vaccination and regular screening.

Many people avoid or delay screening because of myths or confusing information. Jharna Patel, MD, gynecologic oncologist at Main Line Health, clears up some of the most common myths.

Myth: Only sexually active people need cervical cancer screening

Truth: Cervical cancer is caused by long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact and is very common. Most people are exposed at some point* in their lives — often without knowing it.

HPV infections can stay in the body for years without symptoms and may slowly lead to precancerous changes. Because of this, routine screening is important for all people with a cervix in the recommended age range, regardless of current or past sexual activity. If you've never been sexually active, your provider can still help you decide the right screening schedule.

Myth: Cervical cancer has no risk factors

Truth: Several factors increase the risk of cervical cancer, including:

• Infection with high-risk HPV
• Smoking
• A weakened immune system (from HIV or certain medications)
• Not being up to date on cervical cancer screening

While HPV is the main cause, regular screening can find abnormal changes early before cancer develops.

Myth: At-home HPV tests mean you do not need other screening

Truth: Newer guidelines now include self-collected HPV testing, which allows people to collect a sample without a pelvic exam. At-home HPV tests can find high-risk HPV and make screening more accessible for people who have difficulty with traditional Pap tests. This includes patients with PTSD, survivors of sexual assault, transgender and gender-diverse people and others who may experience pain, discomfort or distress during an in-office exam.

However, at-home HPV tests do not check cervical cells for early cancer changes. If an at-home test is positive, follow-up testing with a healthcare provider is still needed. At-home testing can help start screening, but follow-up care is important.

Think of it as Pap test vs HPV test. Self-collected HPV testing:

• Can identify high-risk HPV
• Does not replace a Pap test done by a professional when it's recommended
• Can help people who prefer alternatives to a Pap test start screening

Myth: If you got the HPV vaccine, you don't need screening

Truth: The HPV vaccine protects against the most dangerous HPV types, but not all of them. People who have been vaccinated should continue cervical cancer screening.

HPV vaccination is recommended*:

• Starting between ages 9 and 12 years old
• Between ages 13 to 26 as catch-up, if not adequately vaccinated when younger
• Up to age 45 in some cases, based on shared discussion-making with your healthcare provider

The best protection comes from both vaccination and routine screening.

Myth: You don't need screening if you're under 30 or over 65

Truth: Cervical cancer screening should begin at 21 years old and continue through age 65 for people with a cervix who are at average risk. Screening may stop after age 65 only if prior screening has been regular and normal.

More than one in five cervical cancers are found in people over 65*, often because screening was missed earlier in life. If you are unsure about when to get screened for cervical cancer or are unclear if your past tests were up to date, talk with your provider about the schedule that fits your health history.

Myth: Cervical cancer screening only applies to women

Truth: Cervical cancer screening is based on having a cervix, not on gender identity.

This means that anyone born with a cervix should be screened, including:

• Cisgender women
• Transgender men
• Nonbinary people who were assigned female at birth and still have a cervix

At Main Line Health, we provide cervical cancer screening for anyone with a cervix, including transgender men, nonbinary people and gender-diverse patients. We also offer LGBTQ+-friendly and trauma-informed options to support comfort and choice during screening.

Myth: Cervical cancer can be found early by symptoms or signs

Truth: Early cervical cancer usually does not cause symptoms. That's why screening is so important. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding between periods or after menopause
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain or pain during sex

These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's important to see a healthcare provider if they occur.

Bottom Line:

You are welcome here. If you have a cervix, we are here to support you with respectful, inclusive cervical cancer screening and care. Schedule an appointment with a gynecologist or healthcare provider today. Screening saves lives.

*In some cases, the citations we link to use the term "women." But the data we cite applies to anyone with a cervix, regardless of gender identity.

Next steps:

Learn more about Jharna Patel, MD.

Find a gynecologist.

Learn more about cancer care at Main Line Health.

Learn more about the Advanced Gynecology Program at Main Line Health.

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