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How to Prevent Cervical Cancer: Essential Tips and Guidelines

When it comes to cancer, prevention and early detection are two of your most powerful defenses — this is especially true for cervical cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in the U.S., approximately 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer and 4,000 related deaths are reported annually.

Fortunately, there are some proactive steps you can take to protect yourself from cervical cancer. 

In this article, we’ll help you understand what cervical cancer is and provide practical steps you can take to decrease your cervical cancer risk.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a condition that occurs when cells at the entrance to the uterus (womb) begin to multiply uncontrollably. 

These cells can replicate themselves, invade nearby healthy tissues, and potentially spread to distant parts of the body. This is what makes many cancers so dangerous.

Cancerous cells do not work normally and they don’t support the body's overall functioning. 

As these cells grow and increase in number, they can form large masses, known as tumors. These tumors apply pressure on surrounding organs, disrupting their normal function.

During this process, tumors continue to consume energy and resources from the body to fuel their growth. 

Cancer cells don’t function as beneficial components of the body; instead, they impair the normal functioning of other organs and deplete the body's energy and resources to grow and spread. Cervical cancer follows the same destructive path as other cancer types.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes nearly all cervical cancer cases, the fourth most common cancer in women. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HPV accounts for up to 99% of cases of cervical cancer. In 2018, 570,000 new cases were diagnosed worldwide. 

However, having HPV does not necessarily lead to cancer. Most HPV infections will resolve on their own, though higher-risk types are more likely to cause cervical cancer.

HPV and cervical cancer

HPV has over 200 subtypes, most of which cause no symptoms or result in benign skin or mucous membrane growths, known as warts. When these affect the genital area, they are called genital warts. 

There are about 12 high-risk types of HPV that are associated with the greatest cervical cancer risk but HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of cancers.

People develop HPV from skin-to-skin contact or touching infected mucous membranes. This type of contact can occur during sex or simply from touching infected tissue that has a normal appearance. 

Keep in mind that the cervix is located inside the vagina at the entrance to the uterus, making it invisible and difficult to detect infected warts unless a pelvic examination is performed by a medical professional. This makes it easy for infected warts to go unnoticed. 

Generally, HPV infections develop into cancer when they are prolonged and when other risk factors, which we’ll discuss below, are present.

Risk factors for cervical cancer

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the following factors may increase your likelihood of developing cervical cancer:

• HPV infection: This is the primary risk factor for cervical cancer and it also increases your risk for other types of cancers, including anal cancer, throat cancer, mouth cancer, and penile cancer.

• Multiple sexual partners: Unprotected sex in particular increases the risk due to potential exposure to HPV.

• Smoking: Women who smoke are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer compared to nonsmokers as smoking impairs your immune response to HPV.

• Weakened immune system: Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV or using immunosuppressive drugs, are at a higher risk.

• Family history: Having close relatives, particularly a mother or sister, with cervical cancer can increase risk due to their genetic predisposition.

• Long-term use of oral contraceptives: Extended use of certain birth control pills has been linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer.

Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?

Cervical cancer stands out among cancers mainly because it is almost exclusively caused by HPV, which is a primary risk factor.

Therefore, strategies aimed at reducing HPV transmission or enhancing the body's defenses against the virus can significantly lower your risk of developing cervical cancer. 

Below, we explore several strategies to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer or to minimize the likelihood of severe complications after it has already developed.

What are Some Practical Steps to Prevent Cervical Cancer?

There are a few strategic things you can do to decrease your chances of developing cervical cancer. We outline them below:

Get vaccinated against HPV

Both men and women should get the HPV vaccination. HPV is responsible for various types of cancers and also causes genital warts. 

Through adequate vaccination, the risk of developing HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer, can be significantly reduced. 

Vaccination equips your immune system with powerful antibodies that help destroy HPV before it can cause cancer or lead to genital warts. 

However, keep in mind that the HPV vaccine does not protect against all strains of HPV, only the most high-risk ones. Therefore, it is still possible to contract HPV even after vaccination.

All FDA-approved HPV vaccinations protect against HPV 16 and 18. The following vaccines are currently available: 

• Gardasil®: Protects against 4 variants of HPV

• Gardasil9®: Protects against 9 variants of HPV including those that also primarily cause genital warts. Since 2016, only Gardasil9® has been distributed in the United States.

• Cervarix®: Protects against only HPV 16 and 18 

How is the HPV vaccine administered?

Typically, the HPV vaccine, such as Gardasil 9®, is administered to both girls and boys starting at the age of 9. The vaccine is usually given in two doses up to the age of 15. If vaccination starts after 15, three doses are generally recommended. 

While HPV vaccinations are commonly offered up to the age of 26, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its use up to age 45. However, the benefits diminish for individuals older than 26, as they are more likely to have already been exposed to HPV.

Girls require vaccination because HPV can also cause cancers other than those involving the cervix. As do boys, because giving the HPV vaccine to males decreases their risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners.

Engage in safe sex

Practicing safe sexual contact can protect you and your partner from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HPV.  

Additionally, other sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, can further increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. 

Safe sexual practices, such as using condoms, help protect you from STI exposure, which may reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

Here are some additional guidelines to prevent sexually transmitted infections:

• Have only one sexual partner.

• Don’t mix drugs and alcohol with sexual activity.

• Ask about your partner’s sexual history before engaging in sexual contact.

Schedule routine health screenings

Screening tests are essential for detecting cancers early, including cervical cancer. A cervical cancer screening typically involves one or more of the following tests:

Pap smears and pelvic exams

The timing of these tests varies based on age, health status, and the presence of other risk factors for cervical cancer. 

A vaginal exam is performed, allowing the healthcare provider to physically check for any obvious tumors around the cervix or within the vagina.

A pap smear – which is a key screening test – typically forms part of this examination and involves a trained healthcare provider collecting cells from your cervix using a small spatula or brush to check for cancerous or precancerous cells. 

Pap tests should begin at age 21 and be repeated every three years until age 29. 

Women aged 30 to 65 should have pap tests every five years if they are combined with HPV testing, which is often done simultaneously with the pap smear.

If HPV testing is not performed, pap tests every three years are still recommended for this age group. 

Women who have undergone a total abdominal hysterectomy, involving the removal of the entire womb and cervix, do not need pap tests as they no longer have a risk of developing cervical cancer.

Colposcopy

In the event of an abnormal pap smear result, a colposcopy is performed. This test involves your doctor using a device equipped with a magnifying glass to closely examine the cervix. 

This procedure helps detect visible signs of cervical cancer or other conditions by providing a detailed view of any abnormalities.

Surgical removal of precancerous cells or small tumors

Early detection of cancer or its precursors allows doctors to remove it safely, preventing further spread before a cure becomes challenging or impossible. 

The earlier cancer is detected, the less tissue needs to be removed, and the better your chances of making a complete recovery. 

Quit smoking

It can be very difficult to quit smoking, but smoking tobacco is a known cause of cervical cancer, and quitting smoking helps with protection against cancer. 

The CDC mentions numerous other benefits of quitting smoking, including reducing premature death and improving quality of life.

Some effective ways to stop smoking or reduce your cigarette use are listed below:

• Building a strong support group: Getting emotional and social support can increase your chances of success. This may include addiction therapy.

• Using nicotine replacement therapy: Products like nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms by delivering controlled amounts of nicotine without inhaling other harmful tobacco substances.

• Taking your prescribed medication: Medications such as bupropion (Wellbutrin®) and varenicline (Chantix or Champix®) can reduce cravings and withdrawal effects, making it easier to quit your smoking habit.

Where Can I Learn More About Preventing Cervical Cancer?

While LifeMD offers care to patients with chronic conditions, cervical cancer is a serious condition that requires ongoing specialty care and extensive work from an in-person healthcare provider.

This being said, if you’re concerned about your cervical health, LifeMD may be able to help.

LifeMD can offer guidance on ways to maintain healthy habits that may support the management of your condition and avoid further complications.

Your healthcare provider may offer guidance on effective ways to lower your risk of cervical cancer and/or prescribe the appropriate medication.

Make an appointment today to get started.

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