Cervical cancer is not exactly a hot topic with women, as most of them go through their daily lives with their fingers crossed, hoping that they stay clear of this problem. But the fact of the matter is that this type of cancer is preventable, and there are many ways through which women can avoid cervical cancer.
Here are some of the preventive measures that you can take in order to avoid cervical cancer:
1. Get a Pap Smear Test
The Pap Smear test has been very effective in helping doctors note the growth of cervical cancer in individuals, and this test can help in detecting cervical changes in women, long before such changes can turn into cancerous growth. Thanks to this test, the number of women suffering from cervical test has come down by a significant margin. If you’re planning on getting a Pap Smear test, you can discuss the same with your physician to get it done.
Unless your doctor specifically prescribes that you have to do a pap smear, you can opt for a Pap Smear test yourself once every three years, as this can keep you free of all infections and diseases.
2. Ask Your Doctor Questions
Sometimes you may go through an abnormal Pap Smear, and in this case there are three types of results that can come back. If your doctor says that your test confirmed the presence of ASCUS, then you’re likely to have an infected cervix that has atypical squamous cells.
You can get a result that goes ‘LGSIL’, and in this case, mild dysplasia caused by the HPV will be present in your cervix. If your result reads HGSIL, then the dysplasia in your cervix can be very severe and thick. You’ll need to talk to your physician for immediate measures.
Following up with your doctor and discussing your abnormal results and opting for a colonoscopy can be a good idea. This is because dysplasia can turn into cervical cancer before you know it.
3. Stick to One Partner
Women who have multiple sex partners face a higher risk of contracting cervical cancer than women who have only one sex partner. Ensure that you don’t have anything going on without your partner’s knowledge as you’ll be more prone to HPV infections, which can cause cervical cancer directly. HPV infections can also cause further complications and make your body prone to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
4. Quit Cigarettes Wholly
Smoking never helps the body in anyway, and it is one of the most dangerous habits that you can have. Apart from its role in creating heart problems and bringing about lung cancer and impotence, research have shown that smoking can also increase the risk of cervical cancer in women. Smoking is as deadly as HPV viruses, and a combination of both can accelerate the cervical infection beyond a point. Kicking this habit is one of the best things that you can do for your body, so ensure that you stay away from cigarettes wholly.
Passive smoking is equally dangerous, as you’ll be exposed to the secondhand smoke, so try your best to stay away from smoking lounges.
5. Follow Safe Sex Practices
You may complain that safe sex practices take the edge off the ‘real thing’, but then they solve their purpose and keep you alive and free of all infections. Following safe sex practices is rule number one, and condoms are a must every time you indulge in sexually intercourse. Given the number of infections that can affect people out there, using condoms is the only way to go.
Condoms and other barriers can keep away HIV, HPV infections and even syphilis and cervical cancer (due to HPV infections). Having unprotected sex is not the wisest thing to do.
6. Opt For the HPV Vaccine
Women under the age of 27 can receive the HPV vaccine, as this vaccine is very effective in preventing high risk strains of the infection (HPV) in women. This vaccine is one that’s been approved by the FDA, so even nine year old girls can be given the same. Also called Gardasil, the vaccine can be very helpful for women who are in their puberty, as they’ll be well protected against HPV infections right immediately once they’re sexually active, bringing up their sexual health by notches.
Cervical cancer can be treated through surgical methods, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Treatment procedures for this type of cancer can vary based on the location of the particular tumor and on the type of tumor involved. Cone biopsy, laser surgery and cryosurgery are some of the surgical methods through which cervical cancer can be treated. Hysterectomy is also performed in a few rare cases, and radical hysterectomy, simple hysterectomy and pelvic exenteration are three types of procedures that you can opt for.
Preventing and treating cervical cancer can be easily done through these tips.
