9 Common Myths About Cervical Cancer Debunked

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers today, yet it remains the sixth most common among women in Singapore. Despite this, screening rates remain low, often because of misconceptions, fear, or outdated information.

Many women continue to believe myths about cervical cancer, HPV infection, and Pap smear testing – and these misunderstandings can delay early detection. Knowing the facts can help you make confident decisions about your health.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) that connects to the vagina. Unlike many other cancers, cervical cancer is almost always caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly types 16 and 18.

This cancer begins with abnormal changes to cervical cells, known as dysplasia or precancerous changes. These changes can develop into cancerous tumours over time. However, this type of cancer progresses slowly from the initial stage to invasive cancer, providing opportunities for early detection and intervention.

Common myths surrounding cervical cancer

Although cervical cancer is relatively common, there are still many misconceptions about it. Let's address some of the most common ones.

Myth #1: Only women who are sexually active get HPV

Fact #1: HPV is usually spread through sexual contact, but penetrative sex isn’t the only way the virus is transmitted. Skin-to-skin genital contact, intimate touching, and sharing sex toys can also spread HPV. This means that anyone who has been intimate can be exposed, not just those who are traditionally sexually active.

In Singapore, HPV is extremely common, and most people will come into contact with it at some point in their lives. That’s why regular cervical screening and HPV vaccination are important steps to protect your long-term health.

Myth #2: You need to get a Pap smear every year

Fact #2: While regular screening is important for cervical cancer prevention, annual Pap smears aren't necessary for most women. According to Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines, women aged 25 to 29 should have a Pap smear every three years. For women aged 30 and above, an HPV test is recommended every five years.

However, this recommendation does not apply to women who have previously had abnormal results and are under the care of a gynaecologist, who may require more frequent screening.

Are you unsure about getting a Pap smear or wondering if you need one? Schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical, where our specialists can address your concerns and provide guidance about cervical health screening in a comfortable, supportive environment.

Myth #3: If you have HPV, it means you will definitely get cervical cancer.

Fact #3: Having HPV does not mean you have cervical cancer or that you will inevitably develop it. The virus itself does not turn into cancer. In most cases, the body’s immune system clears HPV naturally, often without the person ever knowing they had it.

Some low-risk HPV strains can cause issues like genital warts. High-risk strains, on the other hand, may lead to precancerous cell changes only if the infection persists over time. It is these abnormal cells, not the HPV infection alone, that may progress to cervical cancer if left untreated.

Regular Pap smears and HPV screening help detect these changes early, so they can be monitored or managed before they ever become cancerous.

Myth #4: Cervical cancer only affects older women

Fact #4: Cervical cancer can develop in younger women too. In Singapore, many women are diagnosed in their 30s and 40s, often at a stage of life where they are managing careers, caring for families, or planning for pregnancy. Because they feel healthy and busy, screening sometimes gets pushed aside.

Younger women may also avoid Pap smears due to discomfort, embarrassment, or the belief that screening is only needed later in life. This delay can allow abnormal cervical changes to go unnoticed for years.

Cervical cancer doesn’t appear suddenly; it develops gradually. Making time for routine screening, even when you feel well, is one of the simplest ways to protect your long-term health.

Myth #5: HPV and cervical cancer always shows symptoms

Fact #5: This is one of the most misleading misconceptions, as it creates a false sense of security. In reality, both HPV infections and early-stage cervical cancer usually produce no noticeable symptoms.

Most HPV infections are asymptomatic, meaning affected individuals show no visible signs and may unknowingly transmit the virus. What makes this particularly concerning is that HPV can remain dormant in your body for years, even decades, before showing up on a screening test. A positive result today could be from an infection acquired years ago from a past relationship.

Even early-stage cervical cancer typically produces no symptoms, meaning it can silently progress for several years. By the time symptoms eventually appear, the cancer may have already progressed to a more advanced stage, making treatment more complex and reducing survival rates.

When cervical cancer symptoms do develop, they may include:

• Vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
• Unusual vaginal discharge that may be watery, bloody, or have an unpleasant odour
• Pelvic pain or discomfort during intercourse
• Heavier or longer menstrual periods than usual

Myth #6: The only way I can prevent cervical cancer is through Pap smears or HPV testing

Fact #6: While Pap smears and HPV tests are essential for early detection, your risk of cervical cancer can also be reduced through other preventive measures:

• HPV vaccination to protect against high-risk virus strains
• Healthy lifestyle choices, including a balanced diet and avoiding smoking or nicotine products
• Safer sexual practices using contraceptives, such as using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners
• Avoiding early sexual activity, which can increase risk

Vaccination and lifestyle changes work best alongside regular screening, not as a replacement. Because cervical cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages, screening remains the most effective way to detect precancerous changes before they develop into cancer.

To help prevent these cancerous conditions, Thomson Women's Clinic and Cancer Surgery offer a 4-in-1 women's screening package, which includes:

• Consultation and examination with a women's cancer specialist
• Pap smear to detect abnormal cervical cells
• HPV test to identify high-risk virus strains
• Pelvic ultrasound scanfor comprehensive assessment

An HPV vaccination is also available as an additional protective measure against cervical cancer.

Vaccination and lifestyle changes work best alongside regular screening, not as a replacement. Because cervical cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages, screening remains the most effective way to detect precancerous changes before they develop into cancer.

To help prevent these cancerous conditions, Thomson Women's Clinic and Cancer Surgery offer a 4-in-1 women's screening package, which includes:

• Consultation and examination with a women's cancer specialist
• Pap smear to detect abnormal cervical cells
• HPV test to identify high-risk virus strains
• Pelvic ultrasound scanfor comprehensive assessment

An HPV vaccination is also available as an additional protective measure against cervical cancer.

Myth #7: Receiving the HPV vaccination means you no longer need Pap or HPV testing

Fact #7: Although the HPV vaccine offers effective protection, it does not eliminate the need for Pap tests or HPV testing. This is because the most commonly used vaccine, Gardasil 9, protects against nine HPV types that cause around 90% of cervical cancers. However, this means you're still at risk from other HPV strains not covered by the vaccine.

Additionally, the vaccine is most effective when administered before HPV exposure. If you have already been exposed to certain HPV types prior to vaccination, the vaccine may not protect against those strains.

According to Singapore's National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) and National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), all females aged 9 to 26 are recommended to receive the HPV vaccine. The vaccine is most effective when administered at ages 11-12 before becoming sexually active. But it can still help those vaccinated up to 26 and some adults up to 45.

So, regardless of your vaccination status, all women should continue to have regular Pap smears or HPV testing as recommended by your doctor. The best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer is to get both the vaccine and the screening.

Myth #8: Cervical cancer is hereditary

Fact #8: Unlike breast or ovarian cancer, cervical cancer is not passed down through families. A family history of cervical cancer does not increase your risk of getting it.

The major risk factor for cervical cancer is exposure to high-risk types of HPV, not your genetic makeup. This means even if your mother or sister had cervical cancer, you haven't inherited an increased susceptibility—your risk depends primarily on HPV exposure, not genetics.

Myth #9: An abnormal Pap smear result means I have cervical cancer

Fact #9: An abnormal Pap smear does not automatically mean you have cervical cancer. Pap smears detect abnormal cervical cells, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• HPV infection (most common cause)
• Inflammation or infection of the cervix
• Hormonal changes
• Minor cellular changes that may resolve on their own

Most abnormal results are precancerous changes rather than cancer. These changes can often be monitored, treated, or reversed before they develop into cancer.

Your doctor may recommend follow-up tests, such as:

• Colposcopy (a closer examination of the cervix)
• HPV testing to check for high-risk strains
• Biopsy if necessary, to confirm the nature of the abnormal cells

If your results indicate further assessment is needed, you can consult a women's cancer specialist (gynaecological oncologist) at Thomson Women's Clinic and Cancer Surgery for further evaluation and personalised treatment.

Cervical cancer treatment cost in Singapore

The cost of cervical cancer screening and treatment in Singapore can vary depending on the type of test, subsidies available, and whether the procedure is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis.

A Pap smear typically costs between SGD 50 and SGD 300, depending on the clinic and whether it is part of a package.

• A standalone HPV test costs around SGD 200 without any subsidies if done as a walk-in.
• An HPV test combined with a Pap smear is usually about SGD 250 without subsidies for walk-in patients.
• The cost of a colposcopy ranges from about SGD 1,200 to SGD 10,400, depending on whether it is done as a day surgery or inpatient procedure.

Additional costs to consider

Beyond the primary screening costs, you should budget for:

• Imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans
• Laboratory tests and blood work
• Medications for managing side effects

How does insurance work for cervical cancer treatment?

Many patients are concerned about how much of their cervical cancer treatment will be covered by insurance. In Singapore, several schemes can help ease the financial burden.

• Doctor's fees:

  • Each specialist has their own panel of insurance providers and coverage arrangements

• Procedures and scans:

  • Some procedures like diagnostic imaging or certain surgical techniques may be subsidised by the Singapore government or covered under MediShield Life

• Overall treatment costs:

  • Your total out-of-pocket expenses will depend on how your insurance plan covers both the doctor's professional fees and the hospital/procedure costs

Fortunately, there are several programmes in Singapore that can help lower the total cost, such as MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Each of these offers different levels of coverage depending on your eligibility and insurance arrangements. 

This price was last updated in June 2025. Treatment costs may have changed since then. For current pricing, detailed insurance coverage information, and personalised financial guidance, contact our medical concierge team.

FAQ

Is it possible to live healthily 10 years after being diagnosed with cervical cancer?

Yes, many cervical cancer survivors go on to live healthy lives for decades afterwards. If cervical cancer is detected in its early stages, treatment is highly successful, with over 90% of affected women living healthily five years later. Even when the cancer is more advanced, there are many treatment options available, and survival rates continue to improve thanks to medical advances.

Why am I suddenly HPV positive?

Can a couple get HPV without cheating?

Should I panic if I test positive for HPV?

Will I be HPV positive forever?

Not necessarily. Most HPV infections clear up on their own within two years, as your immune system fights off the virus. However, some infections may persist for longer, or become undetectable while remaining dormant in your body.

How can I reduce my risk?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, schedule an appointment at Thomson Women's Clinic & Cancer Surgery.