With regard to evolving countries, one of the principal reasons of women’s death in the entire world is cervical cancer. Although incidence of this disease in the United States is steadily decreasing, it is still important to be mindful of different cervical cancer prevention strategies.

Scientific research has proven that cervical cancer represents one of the most avoidable types of cancers that currently affect women. 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. This is not a good reason, however, to be complacent, since a lot of women still develop cervical cancer. Below are some cervical cancer prevention strategies women may employ to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

It is well-known that getting vaccines that fight the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the group of viruses that causes cervical cancer, is considered as the best among the cervical cancer prevention strategies. For example, a type of HPV vaccine accepted by the Food and Drug Administration is Gardasil. Women from ages 9 to 26 can get this vaccine 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.

The American Chemical Society claims that a routine human papillomavirus vaccine should be taken by girls 11 to 12 years old, and that the completion of the vaccination series should be concluded by the time they are 18 years old. 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.

Pap smears represent another effective cervical cancer prevention method, as long as it’s gotten regularly. This test can spot changes in the cervix during their primary stages, way before they develop into cancer, and that’s the reason why it’s seen as the greatest defense for cervical cancer. Ask your gynecologist about cervical cancer screening guidelines, particularly how often you should have the test.

Following this up with regular Pap smears, or colposcopies, along with proper consultation with your doctor, in case you get an abnormal Pap smear, it’s very important. In case you’ve been treated for cervical dysplasia, you need to follow this up with regular Pap smears, or colposcopies as well, given the fact that these precancerous changes within the cervix can return and when they’re unnoticed, they turn into cervical cancer.

Paying attention to your sexual activities is one of the recommended cervical cancer prevention strategies, since the HPV virus is transmitted from person to person through sexual contact. Studies have demonstrated that women with many sexual partners usually develop this disease more often than those with fewer partners; thus, limiting the number of sexual partners, can reduce the risk of having cervical cancer. Sexual abstinence should be practiced, if possible. You can also reduce the risk of getting HPV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases by using barrier defense or spermicidal gels throughout sexual intercourse.

Prevention is way better than the cure, as the popular adage goes. As a way to lower the chances of having this disease, it is best to practice these cervical cancer prevention strategies.

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