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How to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Every year, cervical cancer impacts thousands of women across India despite being largely preventable. In fact, an estimated 123,907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually in India, and 77,348 die from it.

In fact, this disease is the second most common cancer among Indian women. The good news is that we now know how to prevent cervical cancer through vaccines, regular screening, healthy habits, and new tools like genetic testing.

Understanding Cervical Cancer and Its Causes

Before we explore how to prevent cervical cancer, it’s important to understand what causes it.

Cervical cancer originates in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow section of the uterus connecting to the vagina. The primary cause is persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is a very common virus passed through skin-to-skin sexual contact. Most HPV infections go away on their own, but some “high-risk” types (especially HPV-16 and HPV-18) can lead to abnormal cell changes.

Over time (often years), these changes can develop into cancer if not detected and treated. “In India, HPV types 16 and 18 are found in over 83% of invasive cervical cancer cases​,” underscoring how crucial HPV is as a cause.

Key risk factors

  • Not getting the HPV vaccine: Skipping vaccination leaves one vulnerable to the HPV strains that cause most cervical cancers.

  • Not going for regular screening: Without Pap smears or HPV tests, precancerous changes may go unnoticed until they progress.

  • Early sexual activity and multiple partners: These raise the chance of acquiring HPV. Consistent condom use and reducing the number of sexual partners can help lower HPV infection risks, though it does not completely remove the risk.

  • Smoking tobacco: Smoking weakens the immune system and makes it harder to fight off HPV. It’s a known co-factor that increases the risk of cervical cancer and cancer​. The more and longer a woman smokes, the higher her risk becomes.

  • Weak immune system: Conditions like HIV/AIDS or long-term use of immunosuppressant drugs make it harder to clear HPV infections, so they can persist and cause damage.

  • Long-term birth control use: Using oral contraceptive pills for 5 or more years has been linked to an increased likelihood of cervical cancer in HPV-positive women.

  • Multiple full-term pregnancies: Having many pregnancies is linked to a slightly higher risk, possibly due to hormonal changes or immune effects.

Understanding these risk factors gives deeper insight into how to prevent cervical cancer through informed choices. Public health experts estimate that over 95% of cervical cancer cases could be avoided with widespread HPV vaccination and quality screening programs​.

HPV Vaccination: Your First Line of Defense

One of the most widely recommended answers to how to prevent cervical cancer is the HPV vaccine. This vaccine trains the immune system to recognize and fight off the high-risk HPV types before they can cause harm. If given before exposure to the virus (i.e., before someone becomes sexually active), the HPV vaccine provides about 97% protection against cervical cancer and the precancerous changes that lead to it​.

Even if someone is already sexually active, getting vaccinated can still protect against strains they haven’t been exposed to.

 What vaccines are available?

The latest HPV vaccines (such as Gardasil 9 and India’s new Cervavac) protect against HPV-16 and 18 (which cause ~70% of cervical cancers), as well as other cancer-causing types, and even HPV types 6 and 11.

In 2023, India launched its first indigenous HPV vaccine, CERVAVAC – a low-cost quadrivalent vaccine covering 4 HPV strains. This is a major step to make the vaccine accessible to more Indians.

 Who should get vaccinated?

Health authorities recommend HPV vaccination for girls and boys between 9 and 14 years (the ideal age is around 11–12) before they become sexually active. In India, the focus is on vaccinating adolescent girls.

However, the vaccine is approved for people up to age 45. If you missed it in adolescence, you can still get it as an adult – talk to your doctor about whether it’s right for you. Even married women or those who have had children can benefit if they haven’t been exposed to all HPV types in the vaccine.

 Is the vaccine safe?

Yes. The HPV vaccine has been proven very safe, with millions of doses given worldwide. The most common side effects are mild (like a sore arm or low-grade fever). Myths in the past linked the vaccine to health issues, but extensive studies have shown no serious risks. In fact, countries with high vaccination rates have seen cervical cancer rates plummet by 50–90% in young women​.

Regular Screening: Catch It Early, Save Your Life

Regular cervical cancer screening means checking the cervix for any signs of pre-cancer or early cancer, even if you feel perfectly healthy.

Two main screening tests

  • Pap smear (Pap test): A Pap smear involves collecting and assessing a sample of cells from the cervix to identify abnormalities. It can detect precancerous changes (called dysplasia or CIN) long before they turn into cancer.
  • HPV test: This test checks the cervical cell sample for the presence of high-risk HPV types. An HPV test can identify if you have a high-risk infection even if your cells look normal under the microscope.

Why screening matters

Cervical cancer usually develops slowly. There is often a pre-cancer stage (carcinoma in situ) that can last for years. Screening can find these changes early. According to the World Health Organization, good screening programs can reduce cervical cancer deaths by 80% or more among women who are screened.

 When should you get screened?

  • Start screening by age 21. In your 20s, a Pap smear every 3 years is often recommended.

  • Age 30-65: Do a Pap smear plus HPV test every 5 years (or a Pap alone every 3 years, or HPV test alone every 5 years). Many experts prefer the combo, or even HPV testing, as the primary screening because it’s very sensitive.

  • Over 65: You may stop screening if you’ve had enough consecutive normal results and no risk factors, but check with your doctor.

  • After vaccination: Even if you received the HPV vaccine, you still need screening (the vaccine doesn’t cover all cancer-causing HPV types, so screening is still important).

 What about at-home screening tests?

There are emerging options for HPV self-sampling kits, where a woman can collect a vaginal sample herself at home and send it to a lab for HPV testing. This can be a game-changer for those who are uncomfortable with a pelvic exam or don’t have easy access to a clinic.

If the HPV test is positive, she can then follow up with a doctor for further checks. Ask your healthcare provider if any self-sampling HPV test is available to you.

How to Prevent Cervical Cancer at Home

While vaccines and screenings involve clinics or hospitals, understanding how to prevent cervical cancer at home starts with everyday choices and habits.

 Here are some practical tips on how to prevent cervical cancer at home and reduce your overall risk:

  • Practice safe sex: While condoms don’t provide 100% protection against HPV, they reduce the risk of transmission and also protect against other sexually transmitted infections. Consider discussing HPV status with partners.

  • Don’t smoke (and avoid secondhand smoke): As mentioned earlier, smoking makes it harder for your body to fight HPV. By not smoking, you remove this risk factor​ and give your immune system a better chance to clear any HPV infection.

  • Ensure a nutritious diet: Nutrition plays a big role in immune health. Diets high in antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids, and folate – found abundantly in fruits and leafy vegetables – help the body fight off HPV​. These dietary changes form an important part of how to prevent cervical cancer at home through immune system support.

  • Maintain good intimate hygiene: Keep the genital area clean and dry. After intercourse, some doctors suggest washing up to possibly reduce infection risk.

  • Boost your overall immunity: Aside from diet, other lifestyle factors affect your immune system. Get regular exercise, manage stress, and prioritize sleep. Moderate exercise (like walking, yoga, or cycling) and adequate sleep help keep your immune responses strong.

  • Be mindful of symptoms and seek prompt care: While our goal is prevention, it’s also important to catch any warning signs early. Pay attention to symptoms like unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain during intercourse, or pelvic pain. If you notice anything abnormal, consult a healthcare provider.

At the end of the day, encouraging open conversations is key to spreading awareness on how to prevent cervical cancer at home across families and communities.

How Genetic Testing Can Prevent Cervical Cancer

In addition to vaccines, screenings, and lifestyle, genetic testing is an emerging tool that can help prevent cervical cancer. You might wonder: Cervical cancer is mainly caused by a virus, so what role does genetics play? It turns out that your genes can influence how our body responds to HPV and how susceptible you are to cancer development.

Genetic testing can identify these inherited risk factors long before any cancer develops, enabling proactive prevention.

 Identifying your genetic risk

Every person’s DNA is like a blueprint that can contain slight variations (called polymorphisms) affecting health. In cervical cancer, some genetic variations may make a woman more likely to get persistent HPV infections or to develop cancerous changes if infected. For example, certain variants in immune system genes might make it harder to clear HPV from the body.

 How does the genetic testing service work

Genetic testing service provides a complete analysis of such risk markers. With a simple swab of your cheek cells, it can analyze your DNA for dozens of genes and biomarkers related to cancer risk. In the context of cervical cancer, the test panel looks at key genetic markers, including:

  • Genes involved in the immune response to HPV: Variations in IL-10 or IL-12 genes (which regulate inflammation) could influence how your body controls an HPV infection. The test can detect such variations to see if your immune system genes have profiles associated with higher cancer risk.

  • Genes related to hormone metabolism and cell growth: The test may check genes like CYP17 or CYP1A1, which are involved in hormone and toxin metabolism. These factors can be relevant because long-term hormone use or smoking can work with genetics to elevate risk.

  • Tumor suppressor and DNA-repair genes: The test also screens for important tumor suppressor genes (like TP53) and other DNA repair genes. While rare, some people carry inherited mutations or variants that reduce their cells’ ability to repair HPV-induced damage.

  • HPV-related biomarkers: The test detects the presence of high-risk HPV DNA or other molecular markers in your sample. Detecting a high-risk HPV infection early, combined with your genetic risk profile, gives a complete picture of your situation.

 How does genetic testing help you?

The goal of genetic testing is early detection and personalized prevention. If the test finds that you have a higher genetic susceptibility to cervical cancer, you can take proactive measures before any disease occurs. This includes:

  • Earlier or more frequent screening
  • Lifestyle adjustments
  • Informed family planning
  • Peace of mind or timely action

Genetic testing is conducted with advanced technology to ensure accuracy and reliability. The tests are done in certified laboratories and the results are analyzed by experts, so you can trust that the information you receive is sound. Every report is reviewed and backed by research. Importantly, genetic testing can be non-invasive (just a cheek swab).

It’s worth noting that genetic testing complements, but does not replace, regular cervical screening. Even if you undergo genetic testing, you should continue with Pap smears/HPV tests as recommended.

Take Action Now: Protect Yourself with Early Prevention

Learning how to prevent cervical cancer is only the first step – taking action is what makes the difference.

  • Schedule a vaccination or screening: If you or a family member is in the eligible age group for the HPV vaccine, schedule that vaccination as soon as possible. If you’re due (or overdue) for a Pap smear or HPV test, call your doctor or local health center today to book an appointment.

  • Consider genetic consultation/testing: Knowledge is power. Book a genetic consultation with LifeCode to discuss your personal risk factors. You can also order a LifeCode genetic testing kit online or via the helpline. It’s a simple swab test that you can do at home. The kit will come with easy instructions (swabbing the inside of your cheek) and a prepaid return package. Once you send it back, LifeCode’s team will analyze your sample for cervical cancer-related risk markers.

  • Follow through and get your results: After mailing your swab, you can schedule a follow-up consultation (by phone or video) with a LifeCode genetic counselor or doctor. They will explain your results in detail. This personalized explanation will help you understand what steps to take next.

  • Encourage others and spread awareness: Share what you’ve learned with your mother, sisters, daughters, and friends. Help them access vaccination, screening, or genetic testing.

Today, make a personal commitment to yourself. Whether that means booking a vaccine appointment, calling my gynecologist for a Pap test, or ordering the LifeCode genetic test kit, take that step.

Want to know more about your personal risk? Consider genetic testing for cancer. It’s a helpful way to get ahead of potential problems and make informed choices about your health.

Start now – talk to a healthcare provider, visit LifeCode’s website or call for a free genetic consultation, and get the information and support you need.

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