Reduce your risk of cervical cancer
Cervical cancer affects millions of women each year. It develops in the cervix or the neck of the uterus. It is a slow growing cancer, take years before it progress to actual cervical cancer. Cervical cancer may be caused by various risk factors. There are steps you can take to reduce the risk, or even prevent naturally. 1. See a doctor: Cervical cancer can take years to develop. By seeing your doctor and getting regular Pap smears, your doctor can detect and treat precancerous or abnormal cells before they progress to cancer. Ask your doctor how frequently you should get a Pap smear. 2. Follow up on abnormal Pap smears: If you have had an abnormal Pap smear, it is important to follow up with regular Pap smears or colposcopies, whatever your doctor has decided for you. If you have been treated for cervical dysplasia (an abnormality of development), you still need to follow up with Pap smears or colposcopies. Dysplasia can return and when undetected, can turn into cervical cancer. 3. Limit sexual partners: Studies have shown women who have many sexual partners increase their risk for cervical cancer. They also are increasing their risk of developing HPV, a known cause for cervical cancer. 4. Practice safe sex: Having unprotected sex puts you at risk for HIV and other STD's which can increase your risk factor for developing cervical cancer. 5. Quit smoking: Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of developing many cancers, including cervical cancer. Smoking combined with an HPV infection can actually accelerate cervical dysplasia. Your best bet is to kick the habit. 6. Take vitamin C: Ask your doctor about taking Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that my lower your risk of developing cervical cancer. 7. Eat healthy: Cervical cancer risk may decrease if you eat a healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Ask your doctor about taking vitamin and mineral supplements. Antioxidants may help reduce your risk of cervical cancer. 8. Get the HPV vaccine. If you are under 27, you may be eligible to receive the HPV vaccine, which prevents high risk strains of HPV in women. The vaccine is most effective when given to young women before they become sexually active. Abu Siddiqui, Ph.D is an immunologist working in a multinational health care company in the USA.
E-mail: abujnjsid@yahoo.com
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