There are several evidence-based steps people can take to reduce their risk:
Get vaccinated against HPV when recommended.
Follow recommended cervical cancer screening guidelines.
Do not smoke, because tobacco use is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer among people with HPV infection.
Practice safer sex, since condoms can reduce—but cannot completely eliminate—the risk of HPV transmission.
Follow up on abnormal screening results rather than delaying recommended evaluation.
And if you experience unexplained vaginal bleeding or other persistent symptoms, seek medical advice rather than relying on social-media explanations.
The Bottom Line
The claim that a young woman developed cervical cancer because of an underwear-washing habit is not supported by established medical evidence.
Underwear should absolutely be washed properly and dried thoroughly for general hygiene and comfort. Poor laundry practices may contribute to odors, skin irritation, or some infections, but they are not recognized as a direct cause of cervical cancer.
The major preventable cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk HPV, which is why HPV vaccination and appropriate screening are so important.
So if you see a viral post claiming that a particular laundry habit causes cervical cancer, don't panic.
Wash your clothes properly, take care of your overall health, get appropriate HPV vaccination and screening, and pay attention to persistent symptoms.
Those steps are far more meaningful for protecting cervical health than worrying about a specific underwear-washing ritual.