One of the main causes of women’s death from all over the world, particularly in developing countries, is cervical cancer. It’s still extremely important to be aware of the numerous cervical cancer prevention strategies, even though the frequency of this disease in the United States is gradually decreasing.

Scientific studies have found that one of the most stoppable types of cancer that exhibits among women in the present is cervical cancer. Actually, since the arrival of Pap smear tests, the number of cervical cancer cases has dropped over the past 20 years all over the world. Nevertheless, due to the fact that there are still numerous women that develop cervical cancer, this isn’t a reason to not be tested. Below are some cervical cancer prevention strategies women may employ to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

Since cervical cancer is caused by a group of viruses called the human papillomavirus (HPV), getting vaccines that fight these viruses is considered as the best among the cervical cancer prevention strategies. Gardasil, for example is a type of HPV vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This vaccine can be used by women from ages 9 to 26 as a way to prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. This vaccine is said to be most effective among young women before they become sexually active.

Girls 11 to 12 years old should undertake routine human papillomavirus vaccine that will complete when they are 18 years old, suggests The American Chemical Society. Even if no solid data has suggested a HPV vaccination for women from 19 to 29 years old, it is recommended that vaccinated women should continue to screen for cervical cancer.

Another one of the better cervical cancer prevention techniques is to get a regular Pap smear. This test is considered the best protection for cervical cancer because it can notice changes in the cervix during their primary phases, way before they progress into cancer. You may ask your gynecologist about cervical cancer screening guidelines, especially how often you should have this test.

In case you get an unusual Pap smear, it’s vital to follow this up with regular Pap smears, or colposcopies, with appropriate consultation with your doctor. If you have been treated for cervical dysplasia, you also still need to follow this up with regular Pap smears, or colposcopies, since these precancerous changes in the cervix can return and when undetected, turn into cervical cancer.

Knowing that the HPV virus is transported from person to person through sexual contact, carefulness in sexual activities represents one of the recommended cervical cancer prevention strategies. For example, the risk of having cervical cancer can be reduced by limiting the number of sexual partners, given the fact that studies have confirmed that women with many sexual partners usually have a higher chance of getting this disease. If possible, sexual abstinence should be practiced. The use of barrier defense or spermicidal gels throughout sexual intercourse can also lessen the risk of getting HPV infections and other sexually transmitted diseases.

As the popular adage goes, prevention is better than the cure. The chances of having this disease are diminished if these cervical cancer prevention strategies are practiced.

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