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India Today
a day ago
- Health
- India Today
Know the truth: Common myths about cervical cancer explained
According to Globocon 2020, cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer amongst women globally. India alone accounts for one-quarter of the global burden, with an estimated 1,23,907 new cases and 77,348 deaths Today spoke with Dr Pratima Raj, Associate Consultant – Gynaecological Oncology, Manipal Hospital Old Airport gain insights on the most common misconceptions surrounding cervical cancer and why awareness is key to early detection and considerable awareness campaigns and media attention on cervical cancer and HPV vaccination, the topic remains riddled with misinformation. Myths persist around screening, vaccines, and HPV itself, often preventing timely intervention. With the right information, however, cervical cancer is largely preventable and HPV ONLY AFFECTS PROMISCUOUS WOMEN Fact: HPV can affect any sexually active woman. Even one sexual partner is enough to contract HPV. Studies reveal that over 80 percent of women will acquire HPV by age HAVING HPV MEANS YOU'LL GET CERVICAL CANCERFact: While HPV is common, most infections resolve on their own. Only persistent high-risk strains can lead to cancerous changes. Regular screening helps detect these HPV INFECTIONS HAVE SYMPTOMSFact: Most HPV infections are asymptomatic. High-risk strains often go unnoticed unless caught through Pap smears or HPV symptoms of cervical cancer (if present) include abnormal discharge, irregular or heavy bleeding, post-coital bleeding, and pelvic or abdominal SCREENING IS THE ONLY PREVENTIVE MEASUREadvertisementFact: In addition to Pap tests and HPV testing, lifestyle factors play a role. Avoiding smoking, delaying sexual activity, and limiting partners can reduce risk. Other risk factors include chlamydia or HIV infections and weakened VACCINATED WOMEN DON'T NEED PAP TESTSFact: The HPV vaccine doesn't protect against all cancer-causing strains. Even vaccinated women should continue regular Pap and HPV PAP TESTS ARE NEEDED ANNUALLYFact: Current guidelines recommend:Ages 21–29: Pap test every 3 yearsAges 30–65: Pap + HPV co-test every 5 years65 and older: screening may stop if past tests were normalMYTH: HPV CLEARS ON ITS OWNFact: While some infections resolve naturally, others persist and can lead to genital warts or monitoring is CERVICAL CANCER ENDS FERTILITYFact: Fertility-preserving treatments are now available for early-stage cases.A hysterectomy is not always CERVICAL CANCER IS HEREDITARYFact: Cervical cancer is caused by HPV, not inherited like breast or ovarian and screening remain the best ONLY WOMEN WITH MULTIPLE PARTNERS ARE AT RISKFact: Even one sexual encounter can expose someone to is a sexually transmitted infection, not a moral LONG GAPS IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY ELIMINATE RISKadvertisementFact: Cervical cancer can develop long after infection, regardless of recent sexual PAP TESTS DETECT OVARIAN OR UTERINE CANCERFact: Cervical screening only checks the does not detect cancers of the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian HPV VACCINES ARE ONLY FOR TEENAGERSFact: The vaccine is most effective before sexual activity, but still beneficial for those already sexually ONLY WOMEN SHOULD WORRY ABOUT HPVFact: All genders are vulnerable to is recommended for ages 9– CONDOMS FULLY PREVENT HPVFact: Condoms reduce but don't eliminate the risk due to skin-to-skin CERVICAL CANCER IS ALWAYS FATALFact: When detected early, treatment is highly effective, and survival rates are OLDER WOMEN ARE NOT AT RISK OF HPVFact: HPV can affect anyone, regardless of THERE'S NO CURE FOR CERVICAL CANCERSurgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can be curative, especially in early stages. Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is largely preventable and highly treatable when detected vaccination, regular screening, and healthy lifestyle choices, women (and all who are at risk) can dramatically reduce their chances of developing this disease. Armed with facts rather than fears, every woman can take charge of her reproductive health and help ensure that cervical cancer becomes a chapter of the past, not the Reel
News18
27-05-2025
- Health
- News18
From Prevention To Protection: Why Cervical Cancer Deserves Urgent Action, Not Silence
Last Updated: Caused primarily by the human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer develops slowly and often goes unnoticed in the initial years. Ahead of the International Day of Action for Women's Health, marked on May 28, it's important to shift focus towards silent threats that continue to claim lives, often quietly, and all too early. Cervical cancer can be both detectable and treatable in its early stages. What makes cervical cancer particularly tragic is that it is largely preventable. Caused primarily by the human papillomavirus (HPV), it develops slowly and often goes unnoticed in the initial years. This long latency offers a window of opportunity for screening and vaccination. Yet, awareness remains shockingly low, especially in low- and middle-income settings. Dr. Kanika Gupta, Principal Director—Surgical Oncology (Gynae & Robotic Surgery), Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, says, 'India accounts for nearly a fifth of the global cervical cancer burden. This is not due to a lack of treatment options, but rather a serious gap in awareness, access to preventive healthcare, and societal stigma around women's reproductive health. Many women do not undergo regular Pap smears or HPV testing simply because they are unaware of its necessity, or worse, feel ashamed or afraid to discuss gynaecological health." The good news is that cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be eliminated through preventive action. Dr Gupta mentions, 'The HPV vaccine, when administered during adolescence, provides robust protection. When combined with regular screenings for adult women, we have the tools to effectively control and eventually eradicate the disease." It's time to break the silence, challenge the stigma, and empower women with the knowledge and access they deserve. Because cervical cancer isn't just about healthcare – it's about equity, dignity, and justice. First Published: May 27, 2025, 15:56 IST
Sinar Daily
17-05-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
US approves first at-home cervical cancer screening device
Users request a kit online, have a brief visit with a telehealth provider to gauge eligibility and then the kit is prescribed. They then collect the sample and ship it to a lab for analysis. 17 May 2025 05:00pm This undated handout image obtained on May 9, 2025, courtesy of Teal Health, shows the Teal Wand, an at-home cervical cancer screening device approved by the FDA. (Photo by Nicole Morrison/Teal Health/AFP) WASHINGTON - The US Food and Drug Administration has approved an at-home cervical cancer screening tool as an alternative to Pap smears by a gynecologist, the company behind the device said recently. The "Teal Wand" -- a self-collection vaginal swab shaped like a tampon and developed by Teal Health -- will be available online for individuals aged 25 to 65 who are at average risk for cervical cancer. Users request a kit online, have a brief visit with a telehealth provider to gauge eligibility and then the kit is prescribed. They then collect the sample and ship it to a lab for analysis. Cervical cancer, which affects the lower part of the uterus, is diagnosed in about 0.6 percent of women. Although HPV vaccination and regular screening are highly effective at preventing the disease, more than one in four women fall behind on routine appointments. "When we make care easier to get, we help women stay healthy, for themselves and for the people who rely on them every day," Teal Health CEO Kara Egan said in a statement. The Teal Wand tests for high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer. A large clinical trial found its accuracy comparable to a traditional Pap smear, which requires a speculum and is often cited as a barrier to screening due to discomfort. Most sexually active people will contract HPV at some point, though only a small fraction develop cancer. Teal Health did not disclose pricing but said it is in talks with insurers to ensure affordability. The product will launch first in California in June. - AFP More Like This
Sunday World
16-05-2025
- Sunday World
Man (32) accused of producing axe in alleged murder of his mother
The late Mirjana Pap, who was a widow and mother of three, had resided in Athlone for several years and previously worked at the Athlone accommodation centre. A man in his 30s accused of murdering his mother in her midlands home has been served with an additional charge of producing an axe during the alleged attack. Thirty-two-year-old Nebojsa Pap, of Beechville in Athlone, Westmeath, has been on remand in Cloverhill Prison since January 3, charged with the murder of 58-year-old Mirjana Pap, who resided at the same address as her son on December 28 last year. Mr Pap was brought before a sitting of Athlone District Court on Wednesday where details surrounding the charge were relayed before Judge Bernadette Owens. Garda Darren Murphy gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. Nebojsa Pap News in 90 Seconds - May 16th He said Mr Pap made no comment after caution when the charge was put to him shortly after 11:30am. The details of that charge allege that on December 28 at 1 Beechville, Athlone, Westmeath, while committing murder, in the course of a dispute, Mr Pap produced an article in the form of an axe which was 'capable of inflicting serious injury'. Mr Pap, who wore black tracksuit bottoms and a grey jumper to court, was flanked by two prison officers as he was led to the court's custody suite. Sgt Paul McNally said directions on the new charge from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), like the original count of murder were for trial on indictment to the Central Criminal Court. When asked by Judge Owens when a book of evidence was likely to be ready for serving, Sgt McNally indicated a date of June 11. Mr Pap remained sitting and stayed silent during the course of the hearing with his head bowed throughout much of it. Defence solicitor Mark Cooney said the case would have to be adjourned for a week given the legal confines that obligated the court to remand his client for no longer than seven days on the new charge. It was his eighth appearance before the District Court. A garda investigation file containing almost 190 witness statements was sent to the DPP in mid-February. A psychiatric report was completed and presented to the court earlier this year following an assessment order that was made at his initial appearance at a special sitting of Mullingar District Court in early January. The late Ms Pap, who was a widow and mother of three, had resided in Athlone for several years and previously worked at the Athlone accommodation centre. The Croatian national's body was found on lands close to Clonark in Co Roscommon, around 10km from Athlone, on 30 December 2024 after she had been reported missing two days earlier. Before being led away, Pap was remanded in custody by consent, to appear back at a sitting of Athlone District Court via video link next Wednesday.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The At-Home Teal Health Cervical Cancer Screening Is Now FDA-Approved—and Could Replace Your Pap
Collage: Self; Source images: Teal Health, corelens Legs harnessed in an airborne straddle. Feeble pleas from your ob-gyn to scooch up. Cold, clunky metal speculum pushed into your vagina, followed by clanging and scraping. Pap smears are, at worst, a painful, crampy, or traumatizing experience; and at best, awkward as hell. It's only natural to wish you never had to go through with another one again. And thanks to a company called Teal Health, that desire may soon be granted: Its at-home, self-collect cervical cancer screening device was approved by the FDA on May 9. It involves running the same test for human papillomavirus (HPV)—which causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer—that doctors have used for years, but with a sample you take yourself by swiping the wall of your vagina with a small tampon-like device. Teal's development is the natural next step on a path of advancements in cervical cancer screening. While the Pap was invented in the 1940s and involves inspecting cervical cells for precancerous or cancerous shifts, in the early 2000s, doctors realized they could also scan those samples for nefarious strains of HPV itself. In 2014, the FDA approved the first primary HPV test—for use in place of a Pap, in some people—but the cells still had to get plucked from your cervix by a doctor via a pelvic exam, so the experience stayed the same. However, recent game-changing research determined that cells swiped from the vagina instead of way up in the cervix work just fine for an HPV test; that made it possible to use samples people could self-collect. Teal is now the first to bring this tech to our homes, with tests expected to launch in California shortly and nationwide later this year. It's poised to solve a few pain points, some literal, with the current testing paradigm that have led nearly 30% of folks to fall behind on regular screenings. Yes, there's the dreaded speculum and all the fear, discomfort, and shame it can bring, but there's also the difficulty of securing and attending appointments amid a provider shortage, Kara Egan, cofounder and CEO of Teal Health, points out. All of these challenges disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic folks and those of low socioeconomic status, which experts say contributes to thousands of preventable deaths from cervical cancer every year in the US. Read on to learn how Teal Health's at-home test may help close the screening gap for cervical cancer and make the whole shebang more doable and comfortable for some people. Technically, what Teal replicates is an in-office HPV test—but because a large body of research has found that HPV testing is generally more effective at preventing cervical cancer than Pap smears, the screening recommendations for most people already emphasize the former. Indeed, the American Cancer Society shifted its guidelines in 2020 to specifically recommend everyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 65 get screened with an HPV test every five years, and only if one isn't readily available, with a combo HPV/Pap test every five years or a Pap every three. And in December 2024, the United States Preventive Services Taskforce (USPSTF) released a draft of new guidelines that also primarily recommend an HPV test every five years (with the same other two options noted as 'alternatives') but for a slightly different age group: 30 to 65. The thing is, HPV testing has classically been done via a speculum exam, so the shift away from Paps and toward HPV tests hasn't meant much in practice…yet. But with an option like Teal on the table, many could potentially skip the in-office speculum screening altogether. The latest draft guidelines from the USPSTF even go so far as to recommend self-collected HPV tests, pointing to their equivalent efficacy to clinician-collected ones and ability to make screening easier. Teal used the ACS guidelines in its testing, so it'll be available for people ages 25 to 65. What does that mean if you're in your early 20s? The ACS actually suggests no testing under age 25; people in this demo commonly get HPV and clear the infection on their own, so the risk of developing cervical cancer at this age is low, and detecting the virus wouldn't offer much actionable intel. Meaning, your doctor might not suggest any screening until age 25. The USPSTF, however, recommends people ages 21 to 29 get a Pap smear every three years to look for evidence of cell changes (which might be a better indicator of precancer or cancer than merely having the virus at this age). So there's a chance your doctor may still suggest you get a routine Pap starting at 21; and then at 25, you could technically switch to this at-home HPV test, so it's something to discuss with your provider if you're interested. Folks who are at higher-than-average risk for cervical cancer—for instance, those who are immunocompromised or have a history of treatment for precancerous spots—also shouldn't bypass a Pap or in-office HPV test for Teal. (And people in this camp also generally need to screen more often than the suggestions above indicate.) You can think of Teal as comparable to Cologuard, an at-home screening test for colon cancer, Egan says: 'Anyone who falls in the typical or average testing flow can use it.' But just because you might be able to handle cervical cancer screening from home doesn't mean you should fully stop seeing your ob-gyn—after all, the Pap smear or HPV test is just one part of gynecological care. A pelvic exam (involving, yes, a visual look at your cervix by way of a speculum, as well as pressing on your pelvis externally) can also help detect vaginal, vulvar, uterine, ovarian, and fallopian tube cancers, Christie Cobb, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn in Little Rock, Arkansas, who is not affiliated with Teal Health, points out. So while Teal's at-home test may replace your in-office cervical cancer screening, it's not a one-for-one substitute for routine preventive care visits, she says. Getting screened with Teal involves using a self-collection device and connecting with either a nurse practitioner or ob-gyn via the brand's telehealth platform. You'll head to the Teal site, request to get started, and then will get synced with a provider who will prescribe the wand, explain how it works, and order the lab test, Egan explains. The device itself works a lot like a tampon applicator: You insert it into your vagina, push the back portion forward to extend a soft sponge, and turn the base to rotate the sponge 10 times to collect your sample. Then, you remove the device and send the sponge in an included mailer to a lab. There, it'll be tested for 14 different strains of HPV that are most often associated with cancer, just like how a sample collected by your doctor would be. Plenty of evidence has demonstrated that self-collection works just as well as clinician-collection for HPV testing; the FDA already approved self-sample tests for use in a health care setting in 2024, and they've been adopted in other countries like Sweden, the Netherlands, Australia, and Denmark too. (Research also shows, unsurprisingly, that people often prefer the DIY route over the speculum ordeal.) Teal's FDA approval makes it the first self-collect HPV test in the US proven to work with a sample you take at home. If your Teal test comes back positive for HPV, that doesn't mean you have cancer; just like a positive result on a typical in-office HPV test or an abnormal Pap, it just means you may be at greater risk and need in-person followup care (like additional testing and potentially a procedure to remove funky cells). Once your results come back, you'll have a Telehealth visit with a Teal provider, during which they will explain what they mean and either refer you back to your ob-gyn or to one based on your location, insurance, and doctor availability. This part is key, given that an estimated one in eight cases of cervical cancer springs from lack of followup care after an abnormal screening. Meanwhile, seeking that care gives you very good odds of avoiding cancer outright or effectively treating it. Teal is launching first in California in June, and at the time of launch will be in-network in the state with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United. The company plans to start rolling out nationwide later this year and work with insurance companies to cover both the wand and the telehealth services in each state. (You can join the waitlist to find out when it's accessible where you live and if your policy will offer coverage.) Exact pricing is still TBD and will likely vary depending on your insurance plan; any out-of-pocket costs for the device will also be FSA- and HSA-eligible. While Egan hopes Teal can reach people who might not otherwise be able to find or afford gynecological care, she also broadly aims to make screening more seamless and pleasant for anyone with a cervix: 'If you're busy or just would prefer a more comfortable way, this is for you.' The prospect of increasing screenings and followup care—no matter the motivation—feels especially timely at a moment when cervical cancer rates are newly on the rise in young women, following decades of decline. Given the power of cervical cancer screenings to detect pre-cancer (and even risk thereof), making them easier to do could not only reverse that trajectory, but alongside HPV vaccination and effective treatment, fully eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat within our lifetimes. Related: Can You Go to the Gyno on Your Period or What? What Is a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score—And Should I Get One? I Was Told I Had an STI. It Was Actually Cervical Cancer Get more of SELF's great service journalism delivered right to your inbox. Originally Appeared on Self
