Illustration of Cervical Cancer. ©2015 Merdeka.com
Merdeka.com – Cervical cancer prevention every woman needs to know. Cervical cancer occurs when cancer cells attack the cervix or the lower part of the uterus which is connected to the vagina. The virus that triggers this disease can survive for years and contributes to the formation of cancer cells in the body.
So far, no cause has been found cervical cancer surely. However, environmental and lifestyle factors play a major role in increasing the risk of this chronic reproductive disease. Starting from unhealthy food consumption, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, to unhealthy sexual activity.
If not careful, then the risk of cervical cancer can happen to anyone. That way, it’s important for you to know the steps to prevent cervical cancer that need to be done. In this case, prevention of cervical cancer can be done in several ways such as routinely doing pap smears, getting the HPV vaccineto get used to healthy sexual activity.
Not only that, cervical cancer prevention also need to be supported by small things such as stopping smoking and starting to adopt a healthy and balanced diet. Reporting from the Medical News Today page, here we summarize some ways you can prevent cervical cancer.
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Cervical Cancer Prevention: Routine Pap Smear Examination, HPV Vaccine, Sexual Activity Protection
Routine Pap Smear Examination
The first way to prevent cervical cancer can be done with routine pap smear examinations. Prevention of cervical cancer is the best way in which doctors can find cervical cancer early so that screening can be continued on a regular basis.
In this case, the doctor can do a pap test or an HPV test. It is also possible for the two tests to be carried out simultaneously. It is recommended for women aged 25 to 65 years to do an HPV test every 5 years, or a Pap test every 3 years.
In the HPV examination, the doctor can examine cell changes that have the potential to cause cervical cancer. Furthermore, doctors can provide special treatment before the cells develop further. While a pap examination is done to look for precancerous changes in cells in the cervix. Usually, the doctor will use a swap to collect a sample from the cervix and examine it further.
HPV vaccine
The next way to prevent cervical cancer is by vaccinating against HPV. Apart from screening, HPV vaccination is also important to prevent the risk of cervical cancer. This vaccine can protect you from various types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer.
According to recommendations, adolescents aged 11-12 years and everyone under the age of 26 need to get the HPV vaccine. Generally everyone needs two to 3 doses of vaccine depending on each age.
While people over 26 years of age, it is usually not recommended to get the vaccine. However, some people aged 27 to 45 years can still get the vaccine after consulting a doctor.
Sexual Activity Protection
The next way to prevent cervical cancer is to protect sexual activity. Please note, HPV infection can be transmitted through sexual contact. Usually, women who have been sexually active before the age of 18 have a higher risk of cervical cancer.
Not only that, women who have six or more multiple sexual partners also have a higher risk of cervical cancer. That way, it is advisable to protect sexual activity by using barrier contraception such as condoms to protect you from the risk of infection.
However, it should also be understood that this risk does not necessarily fully protect you. You are still at risk of getting an HPV infection from several parts of the reproductive area that are not covered by condom contraception, such as the genital skin or the area around the anus. Thus, vigilance must be maintained.
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Cervical Cancer Prevention: Stop Smoking, Healthy Diet Patterns
Stop smoking
How to prevent cervical cancer also needs to be supported by healthy habits, one of which is quitting smoking. It should be understood that smoking can cause various types of cancer, including cervical cancer. Where tobacco smoke can weaken the immune system so that it is more difficult for the body to kill cancer cells.
In addition, cigarette toxins can damage and change cell DNA which can increase the risk of developing tumors. Apart from active smokers, a 2019 study found that passive smokers who have a sexual partner who is an active smoker also have a higher risk of cervical cancer.
Healthy Diet Patterns
The last but not least important way to prevent cervical cancer is to adopt a healthy diet. As previously mentioned, some food components can increase the risk of forming cancer cells in the body, including cervical cancer. That way, it’s important for you to start adopting a healthy and balanced diet to prevent this risk.
Some foods are recommended to prevent cervical cancer. Like foods that contain antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, E in fruits and vegetables. In addition, you can also get intake of polyphenol antioxidants, flavonoids, lycopene, and sulforaphane in plant foods and tea drinks. In addition, you also need to get folate, calcium, vitamin D, and consume a variety of nuts and legumes to prevent the development of cervical cancer cells.
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