Misunderstanding and perceived stigma around human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is concerningly high and could put women off cervical screening, suggests new data presented at Cancer Research UK’s Early Diagnosis Conference in Birmingham.
A survey of more than 2000 women by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust showed that the wide range of stigmas associated with HPV included shame, fear and perceptions of promiscuity. Researchers found that only 15% of those questioned realised HPV was commonplace.
Almost 40% of those surveyed said they would be worried what people would think of them if they had HPV and more than 40% would worry that their partner had been unfaithful.
Many women who responded did not understand the link between HPV and cancer. Seven in 10 women would be scared to hear they had HPV and two-thirds would worry it meant they had cancer. One in 3 did not know it can cause cervical cancer and almost all did not know it can cause throat or mouth cancer.
Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s director of early diagnosis, said: “It is really concerning that there’s so much misunderstanding about HPV.”
“Every woman has the choice whether to go for screening but busting the myths and removing the stigmas surrounding HPV is vital to ensure people feel more confident to book and turn up for their cervical screening appointment,” she said.
