Ways to Prevent Cervix Cancer

Image : http://www.flickr.com

What is cervix cancer? This is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix or the neck of the uterus. It is a slow growing cancer and you can either have symptoms or it can be without symptoms. Usually cervix cancer is detected by means of a pap smear which is nothing but taking a smear of the cells and then checking them under a microscope. A pap smear is a regular part of a gynecological examination.

Cervix cancer is preventable and there are many steps you can take to ensure that you do not get it.

Ways to Prevent Cervix Cancer:

o Avoid Getting HPV: HPV stands for Human Pappilovirus. This virus is transmitted through sex and results in genital warts. These warts can turn into precancerous growth or cancer. It has been seen that nearly all women get cervix cancer because of HPV infection. You can avoid getting HPV by using protection, not having multiple sex partners and not having sex at an early age.
o Avoid Smoking: Smoking causes many types of cancers and cervix cancer is one of them. You will reduce the risk of getting cervix cancer if you quit smoking. Women who smoke are twice as likely to get cervix cancer compared to women who do not smoke.
o Eat Healthily: If your diet does not contain ample helpings of fruits and vegetables, you are at risk of developing cancer of the cervix. Therefore, change your eating habits and eat as much fruits and vegetables as possible.
o Healthy Body: A healthy body means having a healthy immune system. The risk of developing lesions in the cervix increases with a weakened immune system. These lesions can turn cancerous with time.

If cervical cancer runs in your family, you will be better off trying the prevent it. The chances of getting cervix cancer will be there but these chances will decrease if you follow the above mentioned ways to prevent cervix cancer.