Cervical Cancer Prevention

Though sometimes overshadowed by the push for breast cancer awareness, cervical cancer prevention has acquired some of the spotlight in recent years with the introduction of Gardasil (the HPV vaccine). But a shot isn't the only remedy, or the appropriate one in all cases. Education is the best prescription for this highly preventable cancer.

Cancer of the cervix is found in the tissue at the base of the uterus, the lower section of the womb.  This particular form of cancer still effects nearly 12,000 women a year with approximately 3,850 deaths [Source: CDC]. Unlike other cancers that are often not detected until late in their progression, cervical cancer can be detected very early through routine Pap smears. This test is done typically at age 21 or three years after the patient becomes sexually active, whichever comes first. The great benefit of the Pap smear is that it can detect progressive changes in the cervix before a true diagnosis of cancer is made. These mutations are called cervical dysplasia or neoplasia. Once detected, treatment can be done to hault progression into cervical cancer. Over half of the women diagnosed with cervical cancer either have never had a Pap smear or have not been tested in the five years prior to the diagnosis [Source: NIH].

Several causes promote cancerous changes in the cervix, but one of the most researched associations is that of the human papilloma virus (HPV). It is estimated that 6 million new HPV infections occur each year and several forms (up to 100) of this virus may exist [Source: Cates, Erb].  Even though estimates suggest that well over half of women may be infected by age 50, most will remain asymptomatic [Source: Erb]. Among the various types of HPV, some are more dangerous than others in regard to cervical cancer risk. A newer vaccine, Gardasil, protects against four types of HPV, including two of the more dangerous subtypes.

Statistics show that thousands of women are exposed to at least one of the subtypes of HPV and do not get cancer. Most likely, this means that lifestyle and diet play a major role in the development and thus prevention of cervical cancer. In fact, lifestyle is known to influence cervical cancer in two specific areas.

The first is smoking. Female smokers are known to be at a higher risk for the development of cervical cancer [Source: Plummer]. Any smoker who has had an abnormal Pap smear needs to seriously consider quitting. It's a factor that could significantly harm many areas of the body, and makes it that much harder to treat cancerous changes of the cervix. The second factor that dramatically impacts cervical cancer risk is unprotected intercourse with multiple partners. Choosing to use condoms, and avoiding the use of tobacco can provide substantial protection against HPV, and the development of cervical cancer cells.

On the next page, learn more about dietary and lifestyle habits that can help in preventing cervical cancer.