Cervical Cancer: Debunking Myths, HPV is the Real Risk, Not Marital Status

• Cervical cancer in India is wrongly linked to marital status, delaying screening and preventive care for young women.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the true cause, transmissible through skin-to-skin contact, not just sexual intercourse.
• Dr. Sampada Dessai and Dr. Vivekanand Sharma emphasize that sexual exposure, not marriage, determines risk; multiple partners increase it.
• India faces a high cervical cancer burden due to lack of awareness, misinformation, and absence of a national screening program.
• Early detection through Pap smears and HPV DNA testing, along with HPV vaccination, are crucial preventive measures for all sexually active women.

Why It Matters: Cervical cancer is caused by HPV, not marital status; awareness, screening, and vaccination are vital for prevention.