Long-term studies of oncologists have proved that the main factor provoking the development of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus, or HPV. The presence of carcinogenic strains of this virus in numbers 16 and 18 sooner or later leads to dysplastic changes in the cervix, which can be transformed into a malignant neoplasm. Additional provocators of cervical cancer development are:
- heredity (similar cases in the family);
- presence of other infections, for example, chlamydia;
- unhealthy lifestyle, bad habits, especially smoking;
- obesity, unbalanced nutrition, poor in fiber from vegetables and fruits;
- many pregnancies transferred;
- long-term protection with the help of hormonal drugs.
How to prevent cervical cancer?
Proceeding from the above reasons, increasing the risk of development of oncology of the female sphere, it is possible to determine the directions of anticancer prevention in girls and women.
First of all, it is aimed at preventing the infection of the human papillomavirus.
- Hygiene of sexual life . Early onset of sexual activity, disorderly contacts, multiple partners, neglect of barrier means of protection - all this leads to a high risk of getting infected with papillomavirus, including its pathological species. The increase in the general level of education, including in the area of sexual health, must begin at school. Every woman should know about the prevention of cervical erosion, inflammatory diseases, sexually transmitted diseases.
- Vaccination against cervical cancer . Scientists have created two antiviral vaccines - Gardasil and Cervarix. Their use is advisable before the girl begins to have sex, but after the onset of puberty. On average, this gap is between 10 - 25 years. If a woman already had contact with the carrier of the virus, the vaccination is powerless. In this case, the rate should be made to strengthen the immunity and overall health of the body.
The second direction of the prevention of cervical cancer: the general strengthening of the body and its protective forces. This includes such measures as a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, the eradication of bad habits, the fight against smoking, including passive. It is necessary to sanitize all foci of chronic infections in the body and strengthen immunity.
The third direction is regular and timely visit to the gynecologist. With the help of visual examination, as well as additional types of studies (smear on cytology, colposcopy , biopsy, PCR analysis and others), a gynecologist can detect changes in epithelial tissues of the cervix and carry out appropriate treatment. Early detection of precancerous conditions allows to prevent their degeneration into oncopathology.
Anticancer screenings should be performed at least once every three years with the onset of sexual activity. And when nalchii gynecological diseases and risk factors - at least once a year.