In 2022 China had 151,000 new cases of cervical cancer, equivalent to one diagnosis every 2 minutes, and 56,000 deaths. More distressing, the youngest patient I have treated was only 21 years old, and the youngest nationally diagnosed case was only 17. Data show a high-risk HPV infection rate as high as 31% among adolescents aged 15–19, and those aged 25–45 have become the main affected group, which is closely related to the earlier age of first sexual activity.

Cervical cancer can be called a “silent killer”: it takes 10–20 years for HPV infection to develop into cancer, but early on there are almost no symptoms; by the time postcoital bleeding or foul-smelling discharge appears, it is often already in the middle or late stages. In advanced disease, cancer cells can invade the bladder and rectum, causing hematuria, difficulty with defecation, and even uremia, which is one of the major causes of death from cervical cancer. Even more cruelly, early-stage patients have a 5-year survival rate of over 80%, but once metastasis or recurrence occurs this plummets to 16.5%.

1. These misconceptions are pushing people toward the abyss

• Misconception 1: If you get vaccinated you don’t need screening? Wrong! Vaccines do not cover all high-risk HPV types, and even if vaccinated regular screening is still required.

• Myth 2: No sexual activity means no infection? Foreign studies found HPV detectable in 10% of women with no sexual activity; sharing towels and other items may also transmit it.

• Myth 3: HPV positive equals cancer? 70% of women will be infected with HPV in their lifetime; most infections are cleared by the immune system, and only persistent infections cause disease.

Doctors' advice: 3 steps to stay away from cervical cancer

1. Get vaccinated as early as possible: best effectiveness at ages 9–14; vaccination is possible up to age 45; those already infected can still be protected against other types;

2. Regular screening: after age 25, have HPV testing plus cytology every 2 years—this is key to early detection;

3. Avoid high-risk factors: avoid early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, quit smoking, and strengthen immunity.

The WHO plans to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030; this requires each woman to take proactive protection. Remember: your health has never been a matter of "luck."