Cervical cancer is a deadly disease. It is a silent killer. The illness grows very slow and often has no symptoms. This is why it is almost impossible to diagnose cervical cancer in time, leading to devastating results. This article covers the preventive measures of cervical cancer to help you avoid the disease altogether.
Go for routine screening
Regular screening is the most effective way of preventing the disease, as it helps to detect the condition early. Doctors use Pap tests to look for abnormalities of the cervix. If they notice any changes to the cervical cells, the doctors can take preventive steps to stop the cancer development. Experts recommend that women over the age of 20 should visit their doctor for Pap tests once in three years. Women over 30 can opt for the test once in five years, but the doctors will also perform the Human papillomavirus (HPV) test on them to complete the screening process.
It is also necessary to contact the doctor immediately if you experience bleeding during intercourse. This can be an early sign of cervical cancer.
Get vaccination
Most cases of cervical cancer are results of certain types of HPV. Gardasil and Cervarix are two vaccines that can protect you against HPV, preventing cervical cancer. You can take the vaccines up to the age of 26. Even if you already have a type of HPV, it is recommended to get the vaccine, as it can still protect against other kinds of HPVs. The doctors can administer the vaccines to anyone over the age of 9. These vaccines are most crucial for sexually active people, immunocompromised patients, and HIV infected people.
Follow up on the Pap test
If the Pap tests show any infection signs, your doctor will schedule another test after treating it. If the test reveals that your condition results from something else, the doctor will prescribe other examinations to learn the exact cause. If they find HPV in the cervix, the doctor can determine if there is any possibility of cancer and treat you accordingly.
Practice safe sex
The possibility of transmitting HPV increases when a person has multiple sex partners, which can lead to cervical cancer. It is recommended that you use protective measures every time you engage in any form of sexual activity. You must also get the vaccine for HPV for complete protection.
Stop smoking
Certain by-products of tobacco can cause DNA damage in the cervix cells, significantly increasing the risk of cervical cancer. This is why you must consider quitting smoking immediately.
When you practice the abovementioned preventive measures of cervical cancer, you will be at a lower risk of developing the disease. The doctors can help prevent the illness only when you are careful and proactive about the screening.
