Cervical cancer forms in a woman’s cervix, the widening between the uterus and the vagina. In terms of prevalence, it takes the 4th best spot across all forms of cancer among women according to WHO the International Agency for Research on Cancer, GLOBOCAN, in 2022, recorded about 660,000 new cases of the disease with 350,000 casualties.

The most common type of Cervical cancer is HPV, which is caused by Human Papillomavirus. It is one of the Sexually Transmitted diseases, and it requires a long and unbroken infection with HPV to cause this type of cancer. HPV can be introduced through oral, genital or anal sex which are the most common methods. WHO states that 95 percent of the cervical cancer are due to this HPV infection.

In order to prevent the instance of cervical cancer, it is also recommended to take the HPV vaccine so that HPV infection is never contracted, cervical cancer and other forms of HPV associated cancers like head and throat cancer. While the vaccine is the best way to keep yourself safe, there are others options of prevention more options available in the market.

Rupinder Sekhon, Chairperson- Gynae Oncology at Artemis Hospitals advises other methods of avoiding cervical cancer. Shown, are her tips on the preventative measures that can be taken.

Get Regular Pap Smears and HPV Tests

You have to go for cervical cancer screening so that the doctors can catch the disease at an early stage before it does you any significant harm. While cervical cancer remains undetected, routine screening can be useful in detecting early changes in the cervix so as to be able to proceed early enough to intervene.

Practice Safe Sex

You tend to limit the risk of HPV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) that cause cervical cancer if only you engage in protected sex by using condoms and having few sexual partners.

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Strengthen Your Immune System

Infections are difficult to treat but one can take steps to improve the immune system even before the infection occurs. This can be achieved through a balanced diet, exercising, sleeping, meditating, and practicing yoga.

Refrain from Smoking

Not only does smoking weaken the immune system, but it also increases the risk of being infected with human papilloma virus, which can lead to cervical cancer.

Know Your Family History

HPV is responsible for most of the cases of cervical cancer which is not hereditary, but which is hereditary can differ genetically. It can assist you and your doctor in determining the most appropriate screening based on your history.

Get Routine Gynecological Checkups

Sometimes someone can go  for weeks or months without spotting unusual changes in their bodies and as result cervical cancer can grow without being discovered even when someone believes they are perfectly fit. Regular checkups with a gynecologist can assist in the early identification of such problems.

Limit the Use of Oral Contraceptives Without Monitoring

It has been shown in some studies that oral contraceptives can have a negative effect by increasing the chances of getting cervical cancer. Because of this make sure that you talk about other options and monitoring in consultation with your doctor.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Among these factors, a healthy diet that contains all the essential vitamins and powerful antioxidants is crucial.

A diet full of vitamins and minerals comes in handy in safeguarding the cervix.

As a physician, Dr. Sekhon argues: So long as we take advantage of these measures, the risk of being diagnosed with cervical cancer can be substantially reduced which is an improvement towards taking care of our overall health.