5 basic ways to prevent cervical cancer?

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

Cervical cancer is the cancer of the cervix, the part of the female reproductive system that connects the uterus and vagina. The HPV or human papillomavirus is the biggest cause of cervical cancer as almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by certain strains of HPV. You must be thinking if Cervical cancer is really preventable? Well no method to completely prevent cervical cancer but it can be prevented to a great extent by taking some preventive measures. Let’s know how to prevent cervical cancer.

HPV vaccination

The HPV or human papillomavirus vaccine is recommended to all adolescents as part of their routine vaccines to prevent cervical cancer. This vaccine can be given starting at age 9. It’s important to take the vaccine under a doctor’s guidance so talk to your doctor about the appropriate schedule for vaccination as it may vary based on many factors, including age, gender, and the availability of the vaccine. These vaccines can prevent cervical cancer but they will not treat the already existing cancer. 

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Screening tests for cervical cancer

Screening tests are done to find out the conditions that may develop into cancers and can find pre-cancers before they can turn into malignant or advanced forms of cancer. The Pap smear and the HPV (human papillomavirus) test are some specific tests that are used for the screening of cervical cancer. Talk to your doctor to know more about the Pap smear test.

Limiting the number of sexual partners

HPV can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with an infected area of the body or by sexual contact including vaginal, anal, and oral sex −  the intercourse doesn't have to occur for the infection to spread because HPV transmission merely needs skin to skin contact. Limiting the number of sexual partners can lower the risk of getting HPV infection.

Using Condoms and dental dams 

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Using condoms might lower the risk of HPV infections but it doesn’t provide complete protection as other genital reasons are still exposed for skin to skin transmission.

Quit smoking 

Smoking is another risk factor for cervical cancer and quitting smoking can decrease the risk of cervical cancer.