Cervical cancer remains among the leading causes of women’s death all over the world, especially in developing countries. 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 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. 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 you’ll find some cervical cancer prevention approaches that women can use to reduce the risk of developing the disease.

The group of viruses called the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the one that causes cervical cancer, and one of the best cervical cancer prevention strategies, is to get the vaccines that fight these viruses. For example, a type of HPV vaccine accepted by the Food and Drug Administration is Gardasil. To prevent cervical cancer that is caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18, women from age 9 to 26 can get this vaccine. Before the young women become sexually active, this vaccine is said to be most effective among them.

Girls 11 to 12 years old should undertake routine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine that will complete when they are 18 years old, suggests The American Chemical Society. It is said that it is best for vaccinated women to continue screening for cervical cancer, despite the fact that there has not been ant solid data that establishes that this type of vaccination should be administered to women from 19 to 29 years old.

Getting a regular Pap smear is an another effective cervical cancer prevention strategy. Given the fact that it can detect changes in the cervix during their early stages, way before they develop into cancer, this test is considered to be the greatest defense for cervical cancer You may ask your gynecologist about cervical cancer screening guidelines, especially how often you should have this test.

If you get an abnormal Pap smear, it is very important to follow this up with regular Pap smears, or colposcopies, with proper 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. 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. It is best to practice these cervical cancer prevention strategies to lower the chances of having this disease.

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