The Top Techniques For Preventing Cervical Cancer
One of the main causes of women’s death from all over the world, particularly in developing countries, 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 studies indicate that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancers that exhibit among women nowadays. In fact, thanks to the accessibility of Pap smear tests, the number of cervical cancer cases from all over the world has dropped over the past twenty years. However, this isn't a reason to stop worrying about the disease, because there are still numerous women that deal with cervical cancer each year. As a way to decrease the danger of contracting the disease, women may use the cervical cancer prevention strategies presented below.
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. Gardasil, for example is a type of HPV vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration. 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. 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. There has not been solid data to establish that HPV vaccination should be administered to women from 19 to 26 years old, but it is recommended that vaccinated women continue screening 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. You may find out about cervical cancer screening guidelines, particularly how often you should have the test, from your gynecologist.
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. You have to follow this up with regular Pap smears, or colposcopies as well, in cases where you’ve been treated for cervical dysplasia, because these precancerous changes within the cervix can reappear and when they’re not being watched, they can 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. 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. Sexual abstinence is the best practice. The risk of getting HPV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases can be reduced through the use of barrier defense or spermicidal gels throughout sexual intercourse.
As the popular adage goes, prevention is better than the cure. It is best to practice these cervical cancer prevention strategies to lower the chances of having this disease.


