Cervical cancer is the cancer that arises from the cervix, or any part of the wall the cervix. The cervix refers to the lower, narrow end of the womb. In 2022, the WHO reported that there were 660, 000 new cases of cervical cancer, with 350, 000 deaths. This makes the disease the fourth most common cancer globally. In Nigeria, it is also a leading cause of cancer-related death among women, second only to breast cancer. This burden of cervical cancer is indeed devastating and avoidable, given that cervical cancer is over 90% preventable. This post highlights four proven ways to guard yourself against cervical cancer.
1. Get Vaccinated
The Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV) vaccine protects against various strains of the Human Papillomavirus, the virus that causes 95% of all cases of cervical cancer and other cancers. As a result, the vaccine is currently the most effective way to prevent the disease. While the HPV vaccine offers the most protection when given before a person becomes sexually active, anyone between ages 11 and 26 can receive from the vaccine, although people younger or older can also benefit from it. The vaccination programme in Nigeria even makes provisions for children aged 9 and older. Consider speaking with your doctor about whether and when to get the HPV vaccine.
2. Get Screened
Screening tests as recommended by your doctor can help detect cervical cancer or precancerous cells that may later develop into cancer of the cervix. These tests include:
- Pap smear: A Pap smear (or Pap test) is usually done together with a pelvic examination. This procedure involves scraping cells from your cervix and examining them in the lab for abnormalities, which could include the presence of cancerous or precancerous cells. Doctors generally recommend that a woman of reproductive age carries out a Pap smear at least once in three years until she is 65.
- HPV DNA test: This may be combined with Pap smear in women older than 30. It involves collecting cell samples from the cervix and testing them in the laboratory for any type of the HPV that can cause cervical cancer.
3. Practise Safe Sex
HPV is sexually transmitted and having sex at a very young age increases your risk of the virus. Having multiple sexual partners also increases your chances of getting infected. Therefore, a good way to reduce your risk of coming down with cervical cancer and other sexually transmitted infections is to reduce the number of your sexual partners and use a condom for every sexual encounter.
4. Don’t Smoke
Studies have shown that tobacco byproducts can alter the DNA of cells of the cervix and contribute to the development of cervical cancer. Smoking also weakens the ability of the immune system to fight against infections, including HPV. So if you don’t smoke, don’t start. And if you already smoke, you should talk to your healthcare provider on how you can quit.
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