The Best Ways to Prevent Cervical Cancer at Home

Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. HPV, a virus transmitted from one person to another during sexual intercourse, is the common cause of this cancer. 

In the past few decades, treatment for cervical cancer has become way more accessible than earlier. Get more information about this cancer in the following sections.

Ways to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Following a few tips can help you to prevent this cancer at home. Read on to find out how you can prevent it.

• Quit Smoking

People who smoke are twice as likely to get cervical cancer. This is the best possible way to avoid cervical cancer at home. Tobacco present in cigarettes can affect the DNA of the cervix and contribute to the growth of cervical cancer. 

• Improve Your Immunity

Take steps to improve your immunity by consuming a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Lead a healthy lifestyle and manage stress properly. All these can go a long way in improving your immunity against diseases like cancer. 

• Get an HPV Vaccine

There are few vaccines available that can protect young adults against certain HPV infections. The correct time to get the HPV vaccine is before you start intercourse. This vaccine is available even for children as young as nine years old. 

The HPV vaccine is recommended for both men and women to prevent the risk of cervical cancer. Even if you are vaccinated, you still need screening because no vaccine provides complete protection. 

• Get Screened Regularly

Get screened regularly for cervical cancer. Even if you are affected, early screening can help in timely treatment and high treatment success rates. Many leading hospitals conduct such screening camps from time to time. Keep a check on such camps. 

Factors Responsible for Cervical Cancer

Many factors are responsible for cervical cancer, including having several sexual partners, smoking, weak immunity, early sexual activities and other sexually transmitted diseases. 

Now that you know the risk factors, take all the required measures to stay safe from cervical cancer. Look out for symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, heavy vaginal discharge, bleeding after intercourse and pain during sexual intercourse. 

Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

If you happen to experience any symptoms of cervical cancer, consult a doctor and get the required tests done. The standard tests for diagnosing cervical cancer are: 

• PAP Smear Test

In this test, your gynaecologist will take a cervical cell sample and examine them closely to detect cancerous cells. Doctors recommend that women above 21 should get a pap test once in three years until they attain 65. 

• HPV Test

You can get this done as a standalone test or along with a PAP test to understand your risk of developing cervical cancer. Doctors recommend PAP and HPV tests once every six years for women over 35.

If your PAP smear or HPV test results turn out abnormal, do follow-up with your gynaecologist or oncologist. Check if any further tests are required.

Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer

If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, consult the best oncologist. Your doctor may talk to you about several treatment options. The proper treatment depends on the stage of the disease, tumour size, age of the patient, health condition etc. 

After assessing various factors, your oncologist will recommend the proper treatment for cervical cancer. They could prescribe just a single treatment or a combination of various treatments. The various treatment options include: 

• Surgery
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy 
• Targeted Therapy
• Immunotherapy

Prevention is better than cure – we have all heard of this famous saying. It’s always best to follow a few tips at home to prevent cervical cancer rather than regretting later. 

Also, go for regular cancer screening. If at all you happen to be diagnosed with this cancer, you can get timely treatment.