Ways To Prevent Cervical Cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009, 4,070 women will die and 11,270 others will be diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer in the United States. The number of deaths has decreased because of prevention and early detection. The cancer society has two categories of prevention: finding and treating pre-cancers, and preventing pre-cancers.

Preventing Pre-cancers

• The National Cancer Institute says the most common cause of cervical cancer is infection of the cervix with human papillomavirus (HPV). Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent cervical cancer is by preventing exposure to HPV. You can avoid exposure to HPV by not having sex or by using condoms. The American Cancer Society also recommends getting vaccinated to lower your risk of HPV infection. Gardasil is the most current FDA-approved vaccination on the market and protects against the 4 most common strains of HPV. Smoking has also been shown to increase the risk of cervical cancer. Other factors that may increase the risk of cervical cancer: having 7 or more full-term pregnancies, and use of contraceptive pills for 5 or more years. Avoiding these risk factors may help to prevent pre-cancers.

Finding and Treating Pre-cancers

• The number of deaths from cervical cancer has steadily decreased since 1955. This is mostly due to the development of the Pap test or smear. The Pap test can detect abnormal cells on the lining of the cervix. If abnormal pre-cancer cells are found and treated, cervical cancer can be stopped before it starts. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women begin having the Pap test approximately 3 years after they start having sex, but not later than age 21. In general, the test should be repeated every year. Starting at age 30, women who have had three normal tests in a row may get tested every 2 to 3 years. If abnormal or pre-cancer cells are detected, additional procedures may be done to prevent cervical cancer. The first is an HPV DNA test to determine a patient's risk of cancer and whether further treatment is needed. Most often if abnormal cells are detected, you will need a colposcopy, in which a doctor uses a colposcope to take a magnified look at your cervix. Additionally, a cervical biopsy may be taken to diagnose cervical pre-cancers or remove the abnormal tissue. Removing all abnormal tissue often may be the only treatment needed to prevent pre-cancer from becoming cancer.