5 Right Ways to Prevent Cervical Cancer

5 Right Ways to Prevent Cervical Cancer - Cervical cancer is the number one killer for Indonesian women. In fact, according to the chairman of the Indonesian Cancer Foundation (YKI), Prof.DR.dr. Aru Wicaksono, who was quoted from the Kumparan page, from 40 women diagnosed with cervical cancer, 20 of whom died. That is why, it is not excessive if cervical cancer is the most feared by almost all women in Indonesia. So, how to prevent cervical cancer? Find out the answers in this article.

Overview of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer or also called cervical cancer is a network of cancer cells that grow and develop uncontrollably in the cervical region. Some uterine cancers are caused by infection with the Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) which can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, whether in anal, oral, or vaginal ways.

Women who have HPV virus in their bodies may be able to experience cervical cancer and may also not develop cervical cancer. However, women who have HPV virus in their bodies and coupled with a bad lifestyle are more likely to suffer from cervical cancer.

Most cases of cervical cancer are found at an advanced stage. This happens because while still in the early stages, cervical cancer generally does not cause any symptoms. In fact, the earlier the cervical cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chance for recovery. Here are 5 Right Ways to Prevent Cervical Cancer.

1. Routine check pap smear

Pap Smear is one of the best ways as the first line of defense to prevent cervical cancer. This one screening method serves to detect cells in the cervix that have the potential to become cancer later.

You are advised to do pap smears regularly every three years (without HPV testing), for those of you who are 21-30 years old. As for those of you who are over 30 years old, you are advised to do a pap smear (accompanied by an HPV test) every five years. Perform a pap smear examination immediately routinely to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Don't forget, consult your doctor before you decide to do this examination.

2. Get HPV vaccination

Another way that is no less important to prevent cervical cancer is to vaccinate HPV. If you are a woman and a man between the ages of 9 and 26, you are advised to get this vaccine.

Women who have been sexually active must take a pap smear before getting the HPV vaccine. If the pap smear results are normal, you can immediately get the HPV vaccine. However, if the pap smear is not normal, the doctor will do a further examination to make a further diagnosis.

3. Avoid smoking

You can reduce the chances of cervical cancer by not smoking. Not smoking is another important way to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Because the poison of cigarettes is oxidative so that it can trigger cancer cells to appear and increase malignantly.

4. Having safe sex

More than 90 percent of cervical cancer is caused by being infected with the HPV virus. The spread of this virus occurs through unsafe sexual intercourse, so use condoms when having sex to reduce the risk of contracting HPV. In addition, the risk of contracting HPV also increases when often changing sexual partners. Women who only have one partner can be infected with this virus if their partner has many other sexual partners.

5. Maintain vaginal hygiene

Besides doing pap smears to prevent cervical cancer, you also have to maintain vaginal hygiene, especially during menstruation and vaginal discharge. Using female antiseptic fluids that contain povidone iodine you might be able to do to maintain the cleanliness of your vagina, especially when the "red day" or menstruation.