Cervical cancer: what is it, main causes and how to prevent it

Cervical cancer, also known as cervical cancer, is a malignant change that involves the cells of the uterus and is more frequent in women between 40 and 60 years of age.

This cancer is normally associated with HPV infection, type 6, 11, 16 and 18, which is sexually transmitted and promotes changes in the DNA of the cells, which favors the development of this malignant tumor. However, this does not mean that all women who come into contact with this virus will develop cancer.

main causes

In addition to HPV infection, other factors that may favor the appearance of this type of cancer include the following:

• Early onset of sexual life;
• Having multiple sexual partners;
• Do not use condoms during intimate contact;
• Have some STIs, such as genital herpes, chlamydia or HIV/AIDS;
• I have had several births;
• Personal hygiene bag;
• Prolonged use of oral contraceptives for more than 10 years;
• Prolonged use of immunosuppressive drugs or corticosteroids;
• Exposure to ionizing radiation;
• Having presented squamous dysplasia of the vulva or vagina;
• Low consumption of vitamin A, C, beta-carotene and folic acid.

It is important to remember that family history and smoking also increase the risk of developing uterine cancer.

When you suspect of cancer

Some symptoms that could indicate cervical cancer are vaginal bleeding after menstruation, the presence of flujo and pelvic pain. Learn to identify the symptoms of cervical cancer.

These symptoms must be evaluated by the gynecologist as soon as he appears, with the aim of, in the event of cancer, facilitating the treatment.

How to prevent the appearance of cervical cancer

One of the main ways to prevent cervical cancer is to avoid HPV infection, which can be done by using a condom in all sexual relationships.

Apart from this, it is recommended not to smoke, to have adequate intimate hygiene and to administer the vaccine against HPV, which can be provided free of charge, depending on the health system of each country, in children between 9 and 14 years of age ; or in the private health system, by women until the 45 años or by hombres until the 26 years of age. Know better when to place the vaccine of the VPH.

Another very important measure is to carry out the annual screening at the gynecologist, through the preventive or Papanicolaou exam. This problem allows the doctor to identify early changes that could be signs of uterine cancer, increasing the possibilities of cure.