As women age, the risk of developing cervical cancer increases. In most cases, cervical cancer is caused by being infected with HPV or Human Papillomavirus. HPV is transmitted through any sexual contact. This includes skin-to-skin contact of the genitals. Once infected, it will take years before cervical cancer develops.
Unfortunately, a person with HPV does not often show any signs or symptoms during the early phases. So without screening tests, you will never know you have it until it's too late.
The good thing is, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. If diagnosed early, it has a higher chance of successful treatment.
Here are 4 tips on how you can prevent or lower the risk of developing cervical cancer:
- Get Tested Regularly. Regular HPV and Pap tests can help prevent cervical cancer. These tests allow your doctors to find abnormal cells and treat them before they turn cancerous.
- Practice Safe Sex. Using condoms during sexual intercourse does not totally prevent cervical cancer. Nonetheless, it dramatically reduces the risk of being infected with HPV.
- Avoid Multiple Partners. Having multiple sexual partners increases your chance of developing cervical cancer. The same thing goes even if you are with only one person, and that person has had multiple partners.
- Quit Smoking. Women who smoke are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer than those who don't.
Regular screening can save lives. Get tested at Phoenix Medical Centers. Call us today at (813) 462-2595.
