Cervical cancer is most often caused by viral infections, particularly human papillomavirus (HPV). Symptoms can generally a pain in the lower abdomen, back, or legs. But unfortunately, these common symptoms emerging at a high level which at this stage of cancer, it does not always respond to medical treatment or surgery.
Here are four steps to prevent cervical cancer:
1. Delaying the time to become a woman who are sexually active. The younger a woman started having sex, the more risk of cancer later in life.
2. Reducing the number of sexual partners. Maybe condoms can help, but it is not perfect for blocking the transmission of HPV.
3. HPV vaccination. This vaccination should be done before women become sexually active. It could be done since the age of 9 years.
4. Routine examination. Since 50 years back Pap smear has reduced mortality associated with cervical cancer up to 70%. Pap smears should be done three years after starting sexual activity or after entering the age of 21 years. And this examination should be done again every year. Women over the age of 30 years and having only one sexual partner can perform routine checks every three years, when previously been periodically reviewed and the results are negative.
