Cervical cancer is caused due to abnormal growth of cancer cells in cervix. It is the second most common cancer in females and it can only be cured if it is detected in the early stages. It is said that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. According to a medical report, around 9000 women in US develop cervical cancer every year. Cervical cancer commonly occurs to women between 40 to 55 years of age.
There are few tips to reduce the risk of cervical cancer in women: •
Pap smear: It is one of the greater defenses against cervical cancer. Pap smear detects cervical changes before the cancer cells are formed. One should regularly get this test done. Check with your doctor for the details, and ask him how regularly you should get this test done.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking increases risk of many cancers, including cervical cancer. Make sure that you avoid second hand smoke because smoking combined with HPV infection causes cervical cancer. Kick the habit and ensure that you are not prone to cervical cancer.
• Use a condom: If you are sexually active use condom. Unprotected sex increases the risk of HIV and other STD’s; it can also cause cervical cancer.
• HPV vaccine: Females, who are less than 27 years of age, are eligible to receive the HPV vaccine, which can prevent cervical cancer. This vaccine is more effective if given to young girls before they become sexually active.
• Keep a check on your sexual partners: A survey has shown that women with multiple sex partners are more likely to develop cervical cancer. Having more number of sexual partners makes women prone to many diseases, so it is better to avoid making sexual contacts with multiple partners and if you do make sure that you use a condom.
• Multiple births: Studies have shown that women carrying more than four full pregnancies are likely to develop cervical cancer. So, it better to carry only one or two children in a life time, that way children will get more love and attention and risk of cervical cancer will be reduced.
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