Cervical Cancer: The Risk Factors And How To Prevent Them

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Cervical Cancer: The Risk Factors And How To Prevent Them

Women’s health, in recent years, has been greatly talked about. There are awareness campaigns and wellness schemes that promote female well-being and medical care. In recent years, one particular illness that has seen its fair share of discussion in the healthcare world has been Cervical Cancer. Contemporary times have seen considerable efforts in the promotion of research and technology in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this particular ailment.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among South African women. This particular statistic poses a grave problem — one we must actively tackle, address, and aim to minimise, limit, and control.

To understand the gravity of the situation, we must take a look at how cervical cancer functions, the risk factors that aid in its development, and what steps can one take to prevent them.

What Is Cervical Cancer?
The cervix is the lower narrow end of the uterus (womb). The cervix leads from the uterus to the vagina. When normal cervix-based cells experience DNA mutations, the development of cervical cancer follows.
Adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are the two main kinds of cervical cancer.

What Are The Risk Factors For Cervical Cancer?
Anything that raises your probability of contracting an illness like cancer is considered a risk factor. There are various risk factors for various malignancies. The same goes for Cervical Cancer.

Following are the risk factors that account for cervical cancer.

1. Human papillomavirus (HPV), a widespread virus that can be transmitted from one individual to another during intercourse, is the primary cause of almost all cervical malignancies. HPV comes in a variety of forms.

2. Cervical cancer is more likely to occur in individuals with sexually transmitted infections.

3. A weaker immune system increases the likelihood of acquiring cervical cancer in a person. Immune suppression from corticosteroid medicines, organ donation, therapies for different types of cancer, or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can all result in a weakened immune system.

4. Cervical cancer is more likely to occur in people who smoke or take in second-hand smoke. The risk rises with daily cigarette consumption and duration of smoking.

How Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?
There are ways to prevent cervical cancer, thankfully. You can follow the steps mentioned below to reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.

1. The most fundamental things that can be done by women to help avoid cervical cancer are to obtain the HPV vaccine and undergo routine screening exams.
2. Additionally, you must visit your physician again if the findings of your diagnostic tests are abnormal.
3. You should get the Pap test or the HPV test on a routine basis.
4. If you haven’t already, receive an HPV vaccination if you’re 26 years old or younger.
5. Avoid smoking as it can lead to a heightened risk of cervical cancer.
6. Additionally, cervical cancer is preventable with the use of dental dams and condoms and engaging in safer sex practices.

Dr. Zanele Nkosi-Enicker
Clinical/Radiation Oncologist
MBChB, DA(SA), FC RAD ONC(SA), Mmed (UCT)
+27 31 374 8027
Suite 10, 1st Floor Ascot Park Hospital, 3 Ascot Street, Greyville, 4001