How to Reduce Your Risk of Cervical Cancer
Understanding how to reduce your risk of cervical cancer is powerful—because cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer in women. With vaccines, regular screening, and early treatment, you can take real control over your health.
🎯 Best Prevention Tools
- HPV Vaccination: Vaccines like Gardasil can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancers linked to high-risk HPV strains. Ideally given before first sexual activity, it's approved for individuals up to age 45. Even adults past 26 may benefit. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Screening: Regular screening detects precancerous changes early. Begin at age 25. Options:
- HPV DNA test alone every 5 years
- HPV + Pap cotest every 5 years
- Pap test alone every 3 years :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Safe Sexual Practices: Limiting the number of partners and using condoms can reduce HPV exposure risk. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
🩺 Screen & Treat Strategy (WHO Guidelines)
WHO recommends HPV DNA screening as early as age 30, repeating every 5–10 years—or from age 25 among women with HIV. Identified precancerous lesions are treated promptly with cryotherapy, thermoablation, or LEEP. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
🌍 Global Targets and Gaps
- The WHO aims for 90% of girls vaccinated by age 15, 70% of women screened by 35 and 45, and 90% of cases treated—by 2030. These steps could eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- In India, rural women often lack awareness or screening access. Hospitals like KGMU now screen ~20 women daily and promote vaccination for girls aged 9–14. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
📊 Why This Works
- Vaccination prevents persistent HPV infection, the root cause of most cervical cancers. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Pap testing and HPV-DNA detection have reduced mortality by up to 80% when paired with early treatment. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
👩⚕️ How You Can Take Action
- Get vaccinated early—ideally before age 15, with catch-up through age 26 or later with medical advice. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Begin screening at age 25 and continue regularly until 65 as per guidelines above.
- If HPV-positive or abnormal results are found, follow through with colposcopy and possible treatments to prevent progression.
- Advocate for accessible screening—especially in underserved areas where rates remain low. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
✅ Takeaway
Cervical cancer is largely preventable—and early intervention can save lives. Combining HPV vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment offers a clear path to powerful prevention.
Keyword: reducing your risk of cervical cancer