Introduction
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. The highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality are in low- and middle-income countries. This is because of the lack of access to HPV vaccination, cervical screening and treatment services.
Contents
Causes and Risk factors for Cervical Cancer
Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Almost all sexually active people will be infected at some point, usually without symptoms. In most cases, the immune system clears the virus naturally. Persistent infection with certain carcinogenic types of HPV may develop into cervical cancer.
Other risk factors for cervical cancer are:
- Smoking- When HPV infections happen in people who smoke, the infections tend to last longer, are less likely to go away and lead to cervical cancer.
- Increasing number of sexual partners. The greater your number of sexual partners or the greater your partner's number of sexual partners, the greater your chance of getting HPV.
- Early sexual activity. Having sex at an early age increases your risk of HPV.
- Other sexually transmitted infections. Having other sexually transmitted infections like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS increases the risk of HPV.
- A weakened immune system. You may be more likely to develop cervical cancer if your immune system is weakened and you have HPV because your weakened immune system cannot clear out the infection.
How to prevent Cervical Cancer
According to WHO, cervical cancer accounts for 660 000 new cases and around 350 000 deaths in 2022. So, it is important to prevent cervical cancer. Measures that can reduce cervical cancer risk are:
- HPV vaccination
HPV vaccination is recommended from the age of 9. It can be extended up to 26 years of age. If vaccination is started before age 15, a two-dose schedule is recommended. For people who start the series after 15, the vaccine is given in a series of three shots. For those over 26, consult with a doctor before vaccination.
- Cervical cancer screening
Cervical cancer should be screened from the age of 21. There are two tests for screening: Pap test which detects abnormal cells and HPV test which detects the HPV virus.
Cervical cancer screening according to age are:
- Ages 21-29
-Pap test every 3 years
- Ages 30-65
-HPV test every 5 years (or)
-HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years (or)
-Pap test every 3 years
- Over 65
Consult with a doctor if screening is still needed.
- Stop smoking
Since smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer, quit smoking if you are already smoked. Do not start if you don’t smoke.
- Use condoms
Use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections and HPV.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
The reasons why we highlight cervical prevention is that the treatment costs of cervical cancer are really high and it is a critical illness with high mortality. So, we should focus on cervical cancer prevention and on the other hand, be prepared for treatment costs.
PRUFlexiprotect CI is financial coverage for critical illnesses like cervical cancer and it will help to get treatment without worrying about costs. It will protect you from financial burden in case cervical cancer comes to you unexpectedly.
Learn more about PRUFlexiprotect CI here.
