Cervical cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower most part of the uterus. In early stages, cervical cancer is not caught, but it can become quite serious. Luckily, Pap smear testing has reduced the prevalence of cervical cancer in recent years.
Cervical cancer results when an abnormal growth of cells in the tissues of the cervix begin to develop. Women are frequently able to successfully treat this disease. Over 90% of women with cancer limited to the cervix will live beyond five years and effects on the body are fairly contained for several treatments.
Development of cervical cancer
Nearly all instances of cervical cancer develop as a result of the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that affects nearly six million American women. If left untreated, it can develop into a precursor to cervical cancer called dysplasia. This happens when normal healthy cells in the tissue of the cervix begin to look and act differently eventually extending out into other organs in the body.
Signs of Cervical Cancer
- Weight loss
- Back pain
- Leakage of urine or feces from the vagina
- Fatigue
- Leg pain or swelling
- Bone fractures
Prevention of Cervical Cancer
Because of recent improvements in testing and vaccinations that prevent the disease in the first place, cervical cancer has become much more manageable. But it can still have dangerous consequences if allowed to progress. The Pap smear test can detect HPV which is easily treated. Here are top 6 ways you can prevent cervical cancer.
Prevent Cervical Cancer by these Steps
- Pap smear testing
A regular Pap smear testing is one the greatest way against cervical cancer. A Pap smear test will help you to detect early cervical changes long before cancer actually begins to develop. Take an appointment with your doctor and discuss the Pap smear test. If the doctors ask you to go with Pap smear, go ahead because a regular pap smear test will help you in many ways. Consult your doctor to learn more about the Pap smear test.
- Sexual activity
Sexual activity can increase your chances of developing cervical cancer, so be aware of your sexual activities. According to a research study, if you have more than one or multiple sexual partners are at the more risk of developing cervical cancer in the coming years. The relation between the number of sexual partners and HPV is one of the common sources of this cancer according to research.
- Smoking
To prevent cervical cancer one should quit smoking and avoid n contact with second-hand smoke. Smoking cigarettes are linked with various types of cancers in which cervical cancer is also one. Smoking with an HPV infection can actually make worse cervical dysplasia, which is the development of pre cancerous infection.
- Practice safe sex
To prevent cervical cancer practice safe sex by using a condom, if you sexually active. If you are currently taking a prescribed oral contraceptive or birth control, you are not protected from STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) which can lead to cervical cancer. Unprotected sex can cause lead to HIV and other diseases that have been shown to increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.
- Eat a plant-based diet
To fight against cervical cancer or any other type of cancers, diet is one of the best ways to fight against cancer and another disease. Certain foods have been shown to decrease an individual’s risk of contracting cervical cancer and few diseases. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and other relatives can aid in the restoration of the cells infected with HPV. Make sure that you are having good amounts of fruits and vegetables along with whole grains, beans, pulses each day.
- Get the HPV vaccination
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) it is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases and infections. HPV can infect both the genders; there are more than 40 different types of HPV, few research studies have shown that almost all cervical cancers are caused by Human papilloma virus. Get HPV vaccination for girls as young as nine and is available to women up until age 27. HPV vaccination works more effectively in young women and who are still sexually inactive. Often, women don’t become educated on the effects of HPV and cervical cancer until they are no longer eligible to receive the shot.
Be proactive, getting screened regularly and act quickly when symptoms appear greatly reduces your cervical risks.
