About cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is caused by a viral infection called Human Papilloma Virus or HPV. It is a very common virus that is transmitted during sexual contact, so most people may encounter it at some stage in their lives. In most cases, HPV goes away on its own, but in a small number of women, the virus will persist. For these women, the virus can cause changes in the cervical cells that could develop into cervical cancer if they are not detected in screening tests and removed.

HPV can cause genital warts. These are caused by different types of HPV viruses than those that cause cervical cancer. Genital warts do not turn into cancer, although treatment may be necessary if they do not go away on their own. In rare cases, HPV can cause other types of cancer, including vaginal, vulvar, penile, or anal cancer.

Most women who have had sexual intercourse, even without penetration, can be infected with HPV and are therefore at risk of cervical cancer. Women who have never been tested are at the highest risk. Women living with HIV are also at high risk, as HIV makes them more vulnerable and they may develop cancer at a younger age.

The good news is that most women's bodies can clear the infection on their own, and they will never develop cancer, but testing is the only way to find out who may develop the disease.

Since cervical cancer usually does not affect women until they are 40–50 years old, the best time to test for precancer is between the ages of 30 and 49, before it develops into cancer.

The most effective way to prevent cervical cancer in girls is vaccination before they become sexually active, and for women aged 30-49 to have the test.

If a woman's test result is positive, she must undergo treatment immediately. This could save her life. If the test result is negative, it is advisable to repeat the test in accordance with national guidelines.

If you have a daughter, make sure she receives all the recommended doses of the HPV vaccine. If she is older, also inform her about the importance of early testing and treatment.

All sexually active individuals should practice behaviors that prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (e.g., delaying sexual initiation, using condoms, and having sexual relations with as few partners as possible). Smoking may increase the risk of cervical cancer in women infected with HPV.

No. IUDs and birth control pills do NOT cause cervical cancer. They protect against unplanned pregnancies.

1. I have heard that cervical cancer is caused by poor intimate hygiene and frequent use of sanitary tampons. Is this true?

No. Cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection. Cancer has nothing to do with vaginal hygiene or sanitary pads.

2. Is cervical cancer a sexually transmitted infection?

No. However, it is caused by HPV, which can be transmitted from one person to another during sexual contact. HPV is quite common in both women and men. A small number of women with HPV may develop pre-cancer. If left untreated, some of these women will develop cervical cancer many years after becoming infected with HPV.

3. Are women who have multiple sexual partners at greater risk of HPV infection?

Yes. People who have multiple sexual partners are at greater risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The fewer sexual partners a person has, the lower the risk of contracting STIs, including various types of HPV, some of which cause cancer.

4. Is it true that only women who have multiple sexual partners get cervical cancer?

No! All sexually active women are at some risk of cervical cancer. Screening for pre-cancer can reduce the risk for women over 30, and vaccinating girls aged 9-13 can lower their risk when they grow up.

For a Pap test (cervical cancer screening test), please contact your family doctor's office or health center.

Health centers and reproductive health centers in all localities of the Republic of Moldova offer FREE Pap test.