How to reduce the risk of cervical cancer: advice from the Ministry of Health

Did you know that cervical cancer can be prevented? IN Ministry of Health told how to reduce the risk of getting this disease.Cervical cancer is most often found in women over 30 years old. In the early stages, it is usually asymptomatic, which makes it difficult to detect.

When cancer continues to develop, a woman may notice the following symptoms:

• vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause;
• more abundant than usual menstruation;
• watery bloody discharge from the vagina, which may have a strong and unpleasant smell; pain during intercourse.

During the more serious stages of the disease, when the cancer spreads to other tissues and organs, the following can be observed:

• difficult or painful stool or bleeding from the rectum during defecation;
• difficult or painful urination or blood in the urine;
• pain in the pelvis, lower back, lower abdomen;
• swelling of the legs;
• weight loss;
• feeling tired.

Source: freepik

It is important to consult a doctor if you have similar signs or symptoms, because if they are caused by cancer, early detection of the disease will mean a greater probability of successful treatment. Do not forget also about regular preventive visits to the gynecologist.

Methods of disease prevention

Have a Pap test regularly

All women must be examined by a family doctor and a gynecologist once an hour. It is these specialists who determine what types of diagnostics should be performed in order to maintain health and early detection of possible oncological diseases. For example, women aged 30-49 should be screened regularly. The intervals between such examinations should not exceed 5 years, it is recommended to do them once every 3 years. One of the types of research that is used to detect the disease is the Papanicolaou smear (or Pap test). It helps to timely detect precancerous conditions of the cervix, which are usually 100% curable, but without proper treatment can lead to the development of cancer.

Source: freepik

Get vaccinated against human papilloma virus (HPV)

Vaccination against HPV is a proven and effective prevention of cervical cancer. It reduces the probability of the development of neoplasms by 90%. Vaccinations are recommended for girls at the age of 9-14 even before the beginning of sexual life. However, guys should also be vaccinated, because they can be carriers of HPV. Vaccination protects against the development of such types of cancer as cancer of the cervix, mouth and throat, genital organs and anus. The HPV vaccine is also recommended for people under the age of 26 if they have not yet been vaccinated. However, adults aged 27 to 45 years can also get the HPV vaccine after consulting a doctor.

Practice safe sex

The risk of developing cervical cancer can be reduced by taking measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Use a condom during every sexual act and limit the number of sexual partners.

Quit smoking

Smoking is associated with the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Therefore, if you do not smoke, do not start. If you smoke, talk to your family doctor about possible solutions to help you quit smoking.