How to Prevent Cervical Cancer

A slow developing cancer that starts in the interior lining of the cervix. Over time the changes build up and a pre-cancerous condition called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) develops. 

This change can progress to cancer, but this is not always the case. Continue...

SO Where is the Cervix?

1.       Uterus (womb) - location where a developing baby is found.

2.       Cervix - region connecting the uterus to the vagina

The Causes

• The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the necessary cause of cervical cancer.
• Unlike many other cancers (e g Breast), it is not genetically transmitted.
• The HPV has been extensively studied.
• It is sexually transmitted.
• Having sex before age 18 increases your risk of HPV. Immature cells seem to be more susceptible to the precancerous changes that HPV can cause.
• Many sexual partners, early sexual exposure, Other STD’s
• UV Radiation (sun, tanning bed)
• Tobacco (cigarettes and smokeless) 

How to reduce your cancer risk

• DO: use sunscreen
• DON’T: excessively exposure yourself to UV radiation (tanning beds, sun)
• DO: get available vaccines
• DON’T: Smoke
• DO: make healthy lifestyle choices