There is no 100-percent sure way to prevent cervical cancer. There are, however, several things a woman can do to reduce her risk of developing this potentially deadly cancer. For example, she may reduce her risk for this type of cancer by limiting the number of sexual partners she has and using condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. She can also avoid smoking and strive to keep her immune system in good condition. There is a vaccine that may provide some protection from cervical cancer, but it is usually only recommended for females who are between nine and 26 years of age.
It is not always possible to prevent cervical cancer. There are, however, some cervical cancer prevention tips a woman may follow to reduce her risk of developing the disease. One of them involves sexual decisions; a female’s risk for cervical cancer is typically higher if she has sex at a younger age. No matter what her age, however, the number of sexual partners she has will make a difference as well. Multiple sexual partners, even if they are spread over years, translate into an increased risk of cervical cancer.
Using condoms during sexual intercourse is also important for cervical cancer prevention. This is because a sexually transmitted viruses called the human papillomavirus can cause cervical cancer, and condoms help to prevent the spread of the virus. It is important to note, however, that there are many types of human papillomavirus that are not linked to cancer.
A woman may also avoid smoking and strive to keep her immune system healthy as part of her cervical cancer prevention efforts. Smoking may increase a woman’s chances of developing this disease. On the other hand, a healthy immune system may make the development of this type of cancer less likely. It is, however, possible for a woman who is in excellent health to develop this type of cancer.
An individual may also consider a vaccine for cervical cancer prevention. Such a vaccine helps protect recipients from some strains of the human papillomavirus that cause cancer. This vaccine is usually not recommended for use in women who are over 26 years old, however. Doctors generally recommend giving the vaccine to girls who are not yet sexually active, and it is sometimes administered to girls who are as young as nine years old.
While regular pap smears cannot prevent cervical cancer, they may enable a doctor to note signs of it early in its development. This is important, as early detection can affect survival rates. Women who are at an increased risk of developing cervical cancer may need more frequent pap smears.