Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with HPV, a sexually transmitted disease. Most people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives and not realize it because the body’s immune system can fight the infection.
However, if the immune system is weakened and no longer able to fight infection, it can cause cervical cells to turn into cancerous cells. You cannot always prevent cervical cancer. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of HPV infection and reduce your risk of cervical cancer.
1. Regularly screen for cervical cancer
All women between the ages of 25 and 65 should have regular cervical cancer screening tests to prevent cervical cancer.
The purpose of screening is to detect abnormal changes in cervical cells (pre-cancerous) for treatment before they have a chance to turn into cervical cancer. Screening tests help detect diseases early so that treatment has the highest success rate.
Two widely used screening tests to screen for cervical cancer are the HPV test and the cytology test (also known as the Pap smear or Pap smear).
- A Pap test is a test that collects cells from your cervix. Then, check for signs of pre-cancer or other abnormalities, if any.
- The HPV test is used to check your cervical cells for infection with the HPV virus. Some types of HPV virus are linked to cervical cancer, especially types 16 and 18.
Your doctor may recommend a combined Pap test and HPV test. This may be an optimal choice for you if you are over 30 years old. Both of these tests can be performed in a clinic or hospital.
How often you get screened each year will depend on your age, risk factors, and general health. Ask your doctor how often you should get screened.
2. Cervical cancer vaccination
Reducing the risk of HPV infection can reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Therefore, HPV vaccination (or cervical cancer vaccination ) can help prevent HPV infection, protecting you against the virus that causes up to 90% of cervical cancer cases. HPV vaccination is a safe and effective method to help prevent cervical cancer.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine HPV vaccination for children ages 11 and 12 or as early as age 9.
- All children 12 to 13 years old get the HPV vaccine to help protect against all cancers caused by HPV (including cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers), as well as warts. genital.
- HPV vaccine is also recommended for women 26 years of age and older if they have not been vaccinated before. It is best to get the injection before having sex.
- Some women 27 to 45 years old who have not been vaccinated may decide to get vaccinated after talking with their doctor about the risk of HPV infection and the possible benefits of vaccination. Cervical cancer vaccination at this age may provide less benefit, however, vaccination is still recommended if eligible.
HPV vaccine is given in a course of 2 or 3 shots depending on age. CDC recommends that children starting vaccination before age 15 should receive 2 doses. For people over 15 years old or with certain immunocompromised conditions, the CDC recommends a three-shot course.
HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections, but does not treat existing HPV infections. That’s why the HPV vaccine works best when given before exposure to the HPV virus.
You should still get regular cervical cancer screening, even if you have received the HPV vaccine.
3. The way to prevent cervical cancer is to have safe sex
HPV virus is spread through sexual contact (anal, oral or vaginal) and can lead to cervical cancer. To prevent cervical cancer, you should:
- Be monogamous: Having sex before age 18 and having multiple partners puts you at higher risk of HPV infection. Therefore, the way to prevent cervical cancer is to be monogamous and limit the number of sexual partners. The more sexual partners you have, the higher your risk of HPV infection.
- Use condoms: Condoms are effective in preventing some sexually transmitted diseases and can reduce the risk of transmitting HPV virus. Although the effectiveness of condoms in preventing HPV infections is unknown, condom use is associated with lower rates of cervical cancer.
However, please note that condoms cannot cover the entire skin around the genitals, so they cannot prevent the disease 100%. Therefore, exposure to HPV virus can still occur in areas not covered by condoms.
4. Maintain a healthy diet
Researchers believe that regular consumption of certain foods, especially nutritious fruits and vegetables, can strengthen the immune system and protect against cervical cancer. A diet rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids and folate – all found in fruits and vegetables – can help the body fight HPV and also prevent infection with this dangerous virus.
If you’re wondering what to eat or drink to prevent cervical cancer , many experts recommend a mostly plant-based diet, including fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. These foods contain many beneficial compounds that can be easily incorporated into daily meals.
Some examples include:
- Flavonoids: These chemical compounds protect against cancer. It is found in apples, asparagus, black beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cranberries, garlic, lettuce, lima beans, onions, soybeans and spinach.
- Folate: This water-soluble B vitamin has been shown to reduce the risk of cervical cancer in women infected with HPV. Foods rich in folate include avocados, chickpeas, lentils, orange juice and strawberries.
- Carotenoids: These valuable sources of vitamin A are found in most fruits, vegetables and beans, especially in orange foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins.
5. Having a scientific lifestyle is also a way to prevent cervical cancer
A scientific lifestyle helps you improve your overall health and reduces the risk of many cancers, including cervical cancer. As follows:
- No smoking. Smoking can weaken the immune system, and chemicals in cigarettes can also cause cancer.
- Do not abuse birth control pills. There is evidence that long-term use of birth control pills may increase the risk of cervical cancer.
- Lose weight if you are overweight and try to maintain a healthy weight.
- Consume a moderate amount of red meat, avoid processed meat and foods high in bad fats.
- Maintain daily physical activity and get adequate rest.
- Limit high-calorie foods, sugary drinks, alcohol and salt.
