CERVICAL CANCER AND HOW TO PREVENT IT
Cervical cancer, or cancer of the cervix, is a disease that is a frightening threat to women. According to the official website of the Ministry of Hea
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a health disorder that usually affects the cervix, the female reproductive organ located between the vagina and the uterus.
Cervical cancer can be caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). It looks like a mole or wart, but it is found in the inner area of the female reproductive organs.
These warts appear due to the woman's own behavior, especially when she has multiple partners during sexual intercourse.
Preventing Cervical Cancer
Cancer detected early is very easy to treat, but it is even better if we prevent it from occurring.
Because cervical cancer primarily affects women, I strongly recommend that every woman acquire knowledge about preventing cervical cancer before it occurs.
Here are 7 steps women can take to prevent cervical cancer:
1. Pap smear
This test examines cell samples to see if they have the potential to develop into cancer.
This test is simply for detection; it doesn't guarantee that the cells will develop into cancer.
This test is mandatory for all women, especially those aged 21 and older with uncontrolled sexual activity.
2. Get an HPV test
In addition to the Pap smear, the HPV test is also a test aimed at preventing cervical cancer. As mentioned earlier, cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus.
Women over the age of 30 are strongly advised to get an HPV test, or to combine it with a Pap smear.
3. Get the cervical cancer vaccine
Cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus, so women who are strongly suspected of being at risk of developing the disease should be vaccinated against it.
It's important to know that there are 100 types of HPV, but only two are the dominant causes of cervical cancer: types 16 and 18.
The HPV vaccine is only given to sexually active women, approximately 9-13 years old. This vaccine is highly effective in working with the immune systems of women at this age, so experts highly recommend it.
4. Avoid casual sex
Because the potential for cervical cancer stems from casual sexual activity, prevention is based on avoiding this practice.
HPV transmission occurs through genital contact, oral sex, and the use of sex toys.
5. Don't smoke
We all know that smoking is a common cause of cancer. For women already infected with the HPV virus, smoking can significantly increase the risk of cervical cancer.
6. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is essential for everyone, whether male or female. It doesn't require significant expense, and most importantly, it helps maintain our own physical fitness.
Consuming a nutritionally balanced diet is one example of a healthy lifestyle that strengthens the immune system. This automatically acts as a protective barrier against cervical cancer.
Avoid foods high in fat, foods and drinks containing preservatives, and other ingredients.
7. Maintain an ideal body weight
A plump or ideal body weight is certainly the desire of many women. Several studies have shown that an ideal body weight has a positive effect on preventing cervical cancer.
Excess weight can potentially lead to various chronic diseases, including cancer. Conversely, a body weight that is far from ideal can weaken our immune system. So, adopt a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly and consuming foods rich in protein and nutrients.
Remember, cancer treatment is very expensive, especially if you don't have health insurance.
These are 7 steps women can take to prevent cervical cancer.
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