Cancer that occurs in the cervix is referred to as cervical cancer. This disease is caused by some types of a common STD, human papillomavirus (HPV). Out of the 200+ types of HPV, around 12 of them can lead to cancer. Detecting this virus early is important because of its cancer-causing risk. The earlier it is detected, the earlier the treatments for cervical cancer can be started.
Precautions and care can be taken so that cervical cancer can be prevented and the condition does not reach a stage where treatments for cervical cancer are needed.
1. Smoking
Smoking is one of the common causes of cervical cancer. To reduce the risk of cervical cancer, smoking has to be limited to a large extent or preferably stopped completely. Statistics show that smokers are at double the risk of suffering from cervical cancer. Even by-products of tobacco damage the walls of the cervix, which increases the risk of cervical cancer.
2. Family history
If someone in the family has had cervical cancer, precautions can be taken to prevent this cancer from occurring.
- Diet
Not consuming a well-balanced and healthy diet will enhance the chances of this type of cancer. - Immune system
If the immune system is weak, then ailments occur which then makes it difficult to fight the infection that causes cervical cancer. - Multiple partners
Having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of STDs and HPV.
3. Pap test
It is beneficial to go for regular pap tests. By doing so, any transformation of the cells in the cervix can be detected by the doctor and treatments for cervical cancer if required can be initiated.
4. Vaccination
Vaccinations are available to protect against HPV. You can discuss the necessity and the dosage with your doctor. This is the first step to prevent and avoid cervical cancer.
5. Safe sex
Safe sex needs to be practiced. With unprotected sex, there is always a higher risk to contract STDs including HPV which in turn could lead to cervical cancer.
This medical condition is not as common among the younger demographic. Cervical cancer, according to statistics, is usually detected around 50 years of age. The treatments for cervical cancer get delayed as the disease is normally not detected early. The symptoms of this disease arise when the condition has aggravated and become intense. Nearly 13,000 females in the country are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year according to the latest data released. For some, the condition is detected in the last stage, thus eliminating any chances of treatments for cervical cancer. It is important for parents to educate and arrange counseling sessions for their children with health care providers. It is always better to be knowledgeable of the causes and prevention of this disease so that the younger generation is much more aware and take preventive measures against the condition.