Table of contents:
It is important for women to know how to prevent cervical cancer. The reason is, cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer suffered by women, especially those aged 30–45 years
Cervical cancer is cancer that occurs in the cervix or cervix. This cancer is generally not preceded by typical symptoms, so these symptoms are often ignored. In fact, if detected early, treatment for cervical cancer has a high success rate.
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV virus can be transmitted through sexual contact and can cause abnormal changes in cervical cells, which can eventually lead to cancer.
How to Prevent Cervical Cancer
Here are various ways to prevent cervical cancer that you can do:
1. Get vaccinated against HPV
HPV vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection with the HPV virus that can cause cervical cancer.
The provision of the HPV vaccine is recommended for adolescent girls aged 10-13 years. However, the HPV vaccine can also be given to women up to the age of 26 years or before being sexually active.
What you need to remember, this cervical cancer vaccine is done as a preventive measure. This means that the HPV vaccine is not able to treat an existing infection or disease. Therefore, you need to do the HPV vaccination as early as possible to avoid the risk of HPV infection.
2. Do a Pap smear
Pap smear examination is a medical procedure performed to detect cervical cancer early. This examination should be carried out periodically by women who have been sexually active.
Since you are 21 years old, you need to have a Pap smear at least every 3 years until you are 65 years old.
After doing a pap smear and the results are out, don't forget to follow the next recommendation from the doctor, for example, do a Pap smear again after 6 months or undergo a follow-up examination, such as a colposcopy examination.
3. Have safe and he althy sexual intercourse
As previously mentioned, the HPV virus is generally spread through sexual contact, especially risky sexual contacts, such as having sex with multiple partners or not using condoms as a safeguard.
Although not 100% protective, having sex using a condom can help reduce the risk of spreading HPV infection. However, it would be even better if you were faithful to only one sexual partner, yes.
In addition, avoid sharing sex toys with other people, because this can also increase the risk of HPV infection.
The various ways to prevent cervical cancer above should immediately be applied in everyday life. Then, don't forget to also adopt a he althy lifestyle, such as exercising regularly, maintaining a he althy weight, not smoking, and eating lots of fruits and vegetables, In addition, immediately consult a doctor if you experience complaints in the form of pain during sexual intercourse, bleeding after sexual intercourse, or menstrual bleeding that lasts a long time, is excessive, or occurs again shortly after menstruation.
