7 Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Cervical Cancer!
Cervical Cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women around the world. It severely affects women’s health and can be life-threatening if not treated at the right time. Though cervical cancer can be life taking, it is also the only form of cancer that can be treated successfully if detected in the early stages of cancer.
If it is detected in the later and final stages, it can still be treated or controlled with the help of appropriate treatments and remedial care. Women’s health, cervical cancer prevention techniques, & cervical cancer education and awareness programs should be given a top priority.
This blog is written to make you understand what cervical cancer is, what causes it, what risks are associated, what cervical cancer prevention is, and how important it is to have proper education and awareness programs.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is the growth of cancerous cells (a malignant tumor) in your cervix (a part that connects the uterus and vagina). 99% of the time it can cause infections and puts you at high risk of HPV (Human Papillomaviruses). Cervical cancer can be treated with radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy.
Most women above the age of 30 are at risk of cervical cancer. In 2020, more than 600,000 cervical cancer cases were reported, and more than 300,000 cases of death due to cervical cancer. These cases are high in countries that are low or middle-income.
Causes of Cervical Cancer
The root cause of cervical cancer is certain types of HPV (Human Papillomaviruses) causing long-lasting infections. HPV is a very common virus that can be transmitted during sexual intercourse.
Women who are sexually active at one point will be affected by HPV, but only some will get cervical cancer. If cervical cancer is detected at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate is 99%, but if it is detected at the last stage the 5-year survival rate decreases to 60%.
7 Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer can happen to any woman who is sexually active. Infections like STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection), HPV (Human Papillomaviruses), and Chlamydia are at higher risk of getting cervical cancer.
Though there are many treatments like radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy available, why reach this point when you can make these certain lifestyle changes and work towards cervical cancer prevention?
Following are the lifestyle changes you can make to prevent cervical cancer:
Screening and Vaccinations: A regular pap smear is a must to detect cervical cancer earlier. A pap smear test involves the use of a tiny brush to remove the cells present at the surface of your cervix. These cells are checked under a microscope to see if cervical cancer cells are present.
An HPV vaccination at an early age can decrease your chances of getting cervical cancer.
Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise can be very helpful for your overall body. It can boost your immune system and give you energy. People who engage in daily exercise are less prone to getting affected by diseases and infections. Do any physical activity and you will have less chance of getting cervical cancer.
Dietary Changes: Make changes in your dietary plans. Make it more plant-based, eat more fruits and green vegetables and whole grain foods. These foods will provide you with much needed vitamins and antioxidants that can help boost your immune system. If your immune system is strong, it can combat infections like HPV.
Practice Safe Sex: Practicing safe sex is very important. If you are sexually active, do not change your partners frequently, and if you do, make sure you are using contraceptive barriers like condoms. Women who are sexually active are at high risk of HPV, giving way to cervical cancer.
Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol Consumption: Studies show that people who smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol frequently have a high risk of getting cervical cancer, and other cancers as well. Quitting smoking and limiting your alcohol consumption can decrease your chances of getting cervical cancer.
Avoid Birth Control Pills: Women who consume birth control pills are more at the risk of getting cervical cancer, than women who have never consumed birth control pills. Contraceptive pills cause your blood pressure to rise and do not protect you against STDs or HPV. Stopping birth control pills can decrease the chances, instead, you can use another contraceptive method.
Maintain Healthy Weight: Obesity (overweight) can be harmful to your overall health and increase your chances of getting cervical cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight is very important, keep your diet balanced and do any physical activity to lessen the risk of cervical cancer.
Conclusion
Cervical cancer is a very concerning topic for every woman. It has taken the lives of many and still continues to do so. Just by making a few lifestyle changes you can prevent the chances of cervical cancer.
Educate yourself about cervical cancer and be aware of its risks, learn how to overcome it, and make other women aware as well.