Cervical Cancer – Preventive Strategies

The initial changes occurring in the cells lining the cervix is known as dysplasia. Treating these early changes could lower the risk of developing cervical cancer. Additionally, the risk factors associated with anomalous cell changes could also be reduced.

Pap test Screening

Cervical cancer could be most effectually screened via the Pap test. Getting Pap tests done at regular time intervals mostly aids in detection of changes in the cervical cells prior to them taking a malignant form. The irregular cell changes could be prevented from turning cancerous by undergoing screening at regular intervals and treating cervical cells anomalies could avert the anomalous cell variations from developing into cancer. It is crucial to re-visit the doctor in case of any abnormal outcome of the Pap Test.

Smoking Cessation

Women that smoked were noted to have a greater likelihood of developing alterations in the cervical cells which lead to cervical cancer. The reasons for this change are still quite blurred. However, by stopping smoking this risk could be decreased. Quitting smoking has several other health advantages. Those not smoking additionally had a lower risk of developing other forms of cancers and heart ailments. Also, those exposed to second-hand smoke are also at heightened risk of developing changes in the cervical cells that might cause cervical cancer.

HPV Vaccination

Getting inoculated for the HPV vaccine i.e., Gardasil provides safeguard from four HPV forms that collectively are known to mostly cause cervical cancer and genital warts. The vaccine is administered in three jabs that are given over a span of six months. Girls aged eleven to twelve years old are counselled to take the Gardasil vaccine. The inoculation is additionally suggested for females in the age band of 13-26 years that did not previously get vaccinated when they were younger. Even nine year old girls could be given the vaccine. Research has revealed the safety and effectuality of this vaccine in combating cervical cancer and genital warts.

Lowering the chances of an STD or Sexually Transmitted Disease

STD’s or sexually transmitted diseases mostly leads to anomalous Pap tests and could be the reason behind other grave health conditions. STD prevention is always easier than getting the infection treated subsequent to its occurrence. The most prevalent reason causing cervical cancer is being infected with a high-risk form of HPV (human papillomavirus). As the HPV virus might have a long-standing existence within the body cells, anomalous cervical cells changes that lead to cervical cancer could be the outcome of one of the sexual partners being previously infected with the HPV infection. HPV infection is generally asymptomatic, as either or both of the partners might be unaware of a presently or previously existing HPV infection.

One could lower the risk by:

• Being open with one’s partner regarding STD’s prior to starting off on any sexual relationship. Finding whether the partner is at a heightened risk of contracting STD’s. It could be quite likely that a person might be unknowingly carrying an STD, as certain STD forms could take nearly six months prior to being spotted in the blood.
• Being accountable for one’s actions. Avoiding intercourse when one is symptomatic or are undergoing treatment for an STD.
• Avoiding any kind of intimacy with one who is either symptomatic or having had exposure to an STD.
• Being promiscuous raises the chances of contracting STD’s.
• Using male/female condoms for lowering the chances of developing STD. The use of male condoms during sexual contact has been proven to lower the chances of HPV infection. Female condoms might additionally act as a safeguard, though there is inadequate research regarding this form of protection.

Avoiding sexual contact is the sole and sure means to avert being exposed to STDs. STDs like human papillomavirus or HPV could be transmitted to or from the genital regions, anal, oral areas or throat during sexual contact.

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