The cancer of the cervix, a cylinder-shaped organ that connects your uterus to your vagina, is called cervical cancer. What causes a change in the DNA in the cervical cells is unknown, but HPV is believed to be one of the most common causes. Most cervical cancers develop from certain HPV strains. Fortunately, cervical cancer treatment in Navi Mumbai can help you get rid of this chronic illness. In this post, we’ve discussed some preventive measures you can take to reduce your risk of getting cervical cancer.
Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is preventable. Here’s who’s at an increased risk of cervical cancer.
a) Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection:
Many people are exposed to HPV—a sexually transmitted virus, but it rarely leads to cancerous growth in your cervix. There are more than 100 strains of this virus, of which HPV-16 and HPV-18 are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. Even if you are exposed to these strains of HPV, your immune system will likely destroy the virus. In rare cases, the infection can turn into cancerous growth.
b) Smoking:
Smoking doesn’t directly cause cervical cancer, but it affects the ability of your immune system to fight off human papillomavirus. Frequent HPV infections that do not resolve can increase your risk of getting cervical cancer.
c) Weak Immune Systems:
People with compromised immune systems or autoimmune disorders are more likely to catch an HPV infection that can turn into cervical cancer than those with healthy immune systems.
Preventive Measures
i) HPV Vaccination:
Talk to your healthcare provider about HPV vaccination and whether you are a good candidate for this vaccine. It’s administered to young girls aged 11-12, but any woman who is sexually active can get vaccinated up to 45.
ii) Regular Screening:
The pap smear is the most common test for detecting abnormal cells in the cervix. It can detect precancerous cells that can develop into cervical cancer and active cancer. Detecting cancer at an early stage improves your chances of faster recovery and a complete cure. Women should get a pap smear test every 2-3 years.
iii) Safe Sexual Practices:
HPV spreads through sexual intercourse. Limiting the number of your sexual partners and using protection during sex can reduce the risk of contracting HPV.
iv) Quitting Smoking:
Smoking affects your immunity. Quit smoking, especially if you have an autoimmune disorder or other medical illness that makes it harder for your body to fight infection. Smoking is also believed to alter the DNA found in the cervical cells. This can increase your risk of getting cervical cancer.
Promoting Awareness and Education
Educating women about cervical cancer and the importance of HPV vaccination is key to early detection as well as prevention of this chronic illness. The risk of cervical cancer is higher in people who have sex with multiple partners. See a Gynecologist in Navi Mumbai and get regular screening to detect early-stage cancer.