January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a period to educate society about the illness and advocate for treatment. It’s the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Globally, 350,000 women succumb to it and 4,000 in the United States. As the world observes this awareness month, knowing what causes it is important to prevent and cure it. This article answers the question, “What causes cervical cancer?”
Causes of Cervical Cancer
The human papillomavirus (HPV) primarily causes cervical cancer. It’s a group of 200 related viruses, some sexually transmitted. The HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70% of all cervical cancers. Furthermore, cervical cancer develops slowly, taking an average of around 1 – 10 years.
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Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer
HPV might be the primary way people contract cervical cancer, but not everyone with cervical cancer gets it through HPV. These are the other risk factors.
Weakened Immune System
People with a weakened immune system are at a high risk of contracting cervical cancer because the body is unable to clear the infection.
Multiple Sexual Partners
Having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of contracting HPV or other infections and diseases that might compromise their immune systems.
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Engaging in Sexual Activity Young
Girls who engage in sexual activity at a young age are at risk of contracting HPV as their cervical cells are vulnerable during the adolescent period.
Using Oral Contraceptives for A Long Time
Using birth control pills has been associated with the risk of getting cervical cancer as they decrease the ability of the cervical cells to fight HPV infection. It also alters the conditions within the cervix, which heightens its risk of developing cervical cancer.
Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases
If you have other STIs like herpes and chlamydia, you’re at a higher risk of developing HPV, as these other conditions cause inflammation.
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Preventing Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable if diagnosed early. Here’s how you can prevent it.
HPV Vaccination
The HPV vaccination is highly effective before someone becomes sexually active. There is a variety, including Cervarix and Gardasil. They prevent the most prevalent types, 16 and 18.
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Regular Screenings
Pap smears and HPV tests enable early detection of cervical cancer by checking the cell changes through a microscope. Further tests are done to diagnose the problem in case of an abnormal detection.
Safe Sexual Practises
Limiting the number of sexual partners reduces the chances of getting HPV. Additionally, using protection reduces your chances of getting HPV. It doesn’t wholly hinder it but only lowers your chances.
Treat STIs
If you have STIs, treating them helps you to avoid being vulnerable to cervical cancer. Also, stop engaging in sexual activity to protect yourself and others.
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Quit Tobacco
Smoking exposes the cervix to cancer-causing chemicals and also weakens the immune system, weakening the cervical cells, increasing the risk of this diseases.
Final Thought
What causes cervical cancer? We hope this article provides a clear understanding of cervical cancer, what causes it and how it can be prevented. Young girls should be proactive in taking the vaccine to prevent themselves from this disease. Also, regular screening should be encouraged to ensure early detection in case of anything. Have you taken the HPV vaccine?
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