Cervical cancer cases have plunged by more than half in the past few years. We can attribute that to more women being informed about cervical cancer and taking more preventative measures. It narrows down to avoiding human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus. Although it doesn’t always cause cervical cancer, it is one of the top causes.

A vaccine that targets the strongest strains of HPV goes a long way in minimizing the risks of cervical cancer. Regular pap smears can help detect abnormal cervical cells before developing into cancer, and some lifestyle changes can also lower the chances of getting cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer in a nutshell

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that links to the vagina. The cervix has two types of cells: glandular cells and squamous cells. According to research, around 80-90% of cervical cancer starts in the squamous cells, known as squamous cell carcinoma. The other one starts in the glandular cells and is known as adenocarcinoma.

Cervical cancer rarely has early symptoms; therefore, it is hard to detect until the late stages. Some signs may include vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, and abnormal discharge. However, these symptoms may indicate a different problem, not necessarily cervical cancer.

Thankfully, Hong Kong cervical cancer screening can detect abnormal cells that develop into cervical cancer or HPV that causes it. One of the heartbreaking things about the cancer is that it is slow growing, and it may take years for normal cells to grow into cancerous ones. However, staying informed on preventative measures can help you minimize the risks.

Pap smear tests

Your first chance of defense against cervical cancer is undergoing routine pap smear tests. During a pap smear test, also known as a pelvic exam, a gynecologist takes a sample of the cells in your cervix and tests them for any abnormalities. If they detect precancerous cells, they develop a treatment plan to remove them. Some precancerous cells might not develop into cervical cancer, but it is best to find and remove them.

Typically when you have a positive or abnormal pap smear result, the doctor performs further tests, including examining your cervix more closely to identify the abnormalities. They may also collect more cells from your cervix to perform a test known as a biopsy. Further tests are necessary to identify the stage of cancer, which informs the treatment plan.

Cone biopsy, laser treatment, or cryosurgery are some of the cervical cancer treatment methods that work if the cancer is in its initial phases. Radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy are used to treat advanced cervical cancer.

Every woman above 21 requires a pap test every three years until she is 65. Women between 30-65 can get a pap smear every five years. If you are older than 65years, you can stop testing if you have never had any abnormal cells in your cervix.

HPV tests

Another preventative measure for cervical cancer is routine HPV tests. In most cases, HPV tests are part of the Hong Kong cervical cancer screening process because the cancer is linked to the virus. Becoming sexually active at an early age and having many sexual partners are some of the factors that increase your HPV risks and cervical cancer.

There are many types of HPV categorized into low-risk and high-risk types. Low-risk HPV causes genital warts, while high-risk HPV such as HPV 16 and 18 cause cervical cancer, vaginal, vulvar, throat, and mouth cancers. However, being diagnosed with HPV doesn’t mean you will get cervical cancer, and it only increases the risks.

CDC recommends screening for high-risk HPV ( a hrHPV test) alone or a combination of the test and pap smear if you are at a high risk of the cancer, and it is the best way to detect it early.

HPV vaccine

Getting an HPV vaccine is another preventative measure for cervical cancer. There are various types of HPV, but HPV 16 and HPV 18 are the high-risk ones that lead to the onset of cervical cancer. Thankfully the HPV vaccine can target them.

Experts recommend giving girls, boys, and women an HPV vaccine between the ages of 11-26 to protect them from catching the virus once they become sexually active. Therefore the best time to get the HPV vaccine is before becoming sexually active.

Children beginning the HPV vaccine before age 15 only need two doses, while adults require three given in around 9months. Although it is commonly given before age 26, the HPV vaccine is suitable for use up to 46 years old.

Practice safe sex

As earlier stated, HPV infection spreads through sexual contact. The best way to avoid getting HPV which increases your susceptibility to cervical cancer, is to practice safe sex. The risk of HPV is higher in women who become sexually active before 18years of age and those with six or more sexual partners.

Using a barrier method such as a condom when having sex with a partner you don’t trust can help prevent an HPV infection. But you should note that HPV can also affect areas that a condom doesn’t cover, such as the area around the anus and the genital skin.

Avoid smoking

Tobacco increases your risk of different types of cancer, including cervical cancer. It weakens the immune system making it challenging for the body to fight infections or kill precancerous cells. The toxic substances in tobacco can also alter the cell’s DNA, causing the development of a tumor. Furthermore, nicotine and tobacco substances can also pass to the cervix through semen, compromising the body’s immune system.

conclusion

Some cervical risk factors such as smoking, diet, and weight are controllable, while others, like having a family history of cervical cancer, are not controllable. Age is another uncontrollable factor- cervical cancer mainly affects women aged 20-50years. Your best prevention against cervical cancer is to keep up with routine screening and HPV tests. Thankfully the hong kong cancer fund helps women diagnosed with cervical cancer access treatment by offering financial support.