Make these Lifestyle changes to avoid Cervical Cancer
According to a report published by WHO, Cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly occurring cancer in women with around 570,000 new people being affected in 2018 itself which roughly constitutes 6.6% of all female cancers. However, an assessment says that cervical cancer will target roughly 1 out of 53 Indian women during their lifetime while it will be 1 in 100 women in developed countries of the world.
It must be understood that in spite of the mentioned figures, the rate of high mortality from cervical cancer can be reduced through a broad approach of prevention, early diagnosis, efficient screening and treatment packages. Scientific research has shown making some lifestyle changes also help to prevent cervical cancer.
Regular PAP smear screening
After 21 years, a woman is recommended to go for regular PAP smear screening tests. Along with this, a pelvic scan is suggested. In this test, the cells are scraped for diagnosis at the lab. This test helps to find out any abnormal cell growth. Any precancerous cell can be detected in such tests. After 30 years, a woman is recommended to undertake several such tests in a row. Doctor’s advice must be taken on this.
Getting HPV Vaccine
HPV vaccine is recommended for women to guard against cervical cancer. The vaccine should ideally start at an early age of 11-12 years. The vaccine can be taken any time after that, till the age of 26.
Usage of Tobacco
It has been noticed that smoking doubles the risk of cervical cancer. Women who smoke or are exposed to smoking for longer hours have higher chances of cervical cancer.
Importance of diet
A study published in Cancer Research journal recently has found that women who have diet rich in fruits and vegetables showed good levels of specific chemical compounds in their blood tests which helped them clear their HPV infections faster than others, meaning it can help to reduce the risk of cancer as well.
Most cases of cervical cancer are a result of infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Most experts consider that a diet rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids, and folate which are found in fruits and vegetables can help the human body fight HPV infection and prevent HPV infection from turning cells of the cervix into cancerous lesions.
Ideal diet should be:
•Breakfast: orange juice, yogurt, and granola
•Lunch: open-faced toasted cheese and veggie sandwich with red peppers, carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini
•Dinner: whole-wheat pasta with spinach, black beans, chicken, and diced tomatoes
You can also include flavonoids, thought to be a leading source of protection against cancer, in their diet like Apples, Asparagus, Black beans, Cabbage, Garlic, Lettuce, Onions etc.
Multiple Partners
The most common method of contracting cervical cancer is through Human papilloma virus ( HPV) which is spread through sexual intercourse. Multiple sexual partners increase the chances of contracting this disease. Early marriage too can increase the chance of contracting this infection.
Avoid oral contraceptive pills
Oral contraceptives have also proved to take up the chances of cervical cancer. As long as the woman continues the pills, the chances of cervical cancer remain. However, it has been observed that the risk substantially comes down once the pills are stopped.
