Cervical cancer can affect the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. Sexually transmitted infections and HPV are the prime causes of cervical cancer. If treated at an early stage, cervical cancer can be cured. This article talks about some tips to prevent cervical cancer.

Routine Pap tests
One of the first tips to prevent cervical cancer is to have a routine Pap smears test. These tests help doctors detect any abnormalities or changes in the cells, which may further lead to cervical cancer. Doctors highly recommend that women should start having Pap smears test once every three years starting from the age of 21. Also, if bleeding happens after intercourse, a woman should see a gynecologist. After the age of 30, a woman should have a Pap smears test once every five years.

HPV vaccine
HPV subtypes are often linked with cervical cancer and an HPV vaccine can help prevent this illness. However, an HPV vaccine does not treat an infection, which is already there. The side effects of an HPV vaccine are mostly mild and they are given in a series of shots. The most common side-effects include soreness on the site of injection, short-term redness, and swelling. It is important that the vaccination is given during younger ages, as it may be less effective in lowering the risk of cancer if given after the age of 26.

Healthy diet
One of the best tips to prevent cervical cancer is to adhere to a healthy diet. It is observed that a nutritious diet helps in fighting cervical cancer. So, make sure that all three meals are healthy. For example, you can start your breakfast with food items like yogurt, granola, cantaloupe, and orange juice. For lunch, you can have a vegetable sandwich, which is open-toasted with red peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots. Your dinner can include black beans, whole-wheat pasta, and diced tomatoes.

Safe sex
It is safer to restrict the number of sexual intercourse partners. Avoiding sexual intercourse with many people reduces the risk of HPV, which is one of the prime causes of cervical cancer. Limited exposure reduces the risk of HPV. Even having sex with people who have had many sexual partners can put someone at a risk of having HPV. What is more alarming is the fact that a person may have HPV for many years and still, there might not be any symptoms.

Almost 311,000 people around the globe died of cervical cancer in the year 2018. Based on their overall health, age, and personal risk for cervical cancer, one needs to do certain things to prevent the development of cervical cancer.