How to prevent cervical cancer Though knowledge and awareness are the first steps towards prevention, taking precautionary measures and following these steps can help you prevent the disease
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=CAP/2010/01/26&PageLabel=4&EntityId=Ar00403&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T Knowing that cervical cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in India and accepting that everyone is at risk is the first step towards effective prevention. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, is present in 99.7% of cervical cancer cases, and thus prevention includes: Having safe sex with a single partner. Using condoms though not fool proof, is a good practice Avoiding smoking *Having a healthy lifestyle: * * *Diet rich in antioxidants, vegetables, fruits, fiber and whole wheat products Physical activity & exercise Maintaining healthy weight Controlling stress levels Getting screened regularly and knowing about pap smear & HPV DNA tests It is appropriate that women above 30 have both HPV DNA test and a pap test at the time of screening, as this helps in early diagnosis For women above 30, if both the HPV DNA test and the pap test are negative, precancerous changes or cancer is highly unlikely and testing does not need to be repeated for three years. If the pap test is negative and the HR-HPVtest is positive, both should be repeated in 6-12 months *Discussing vaccination for HPV with your gynecologist *Vaccination against specific types of HPV is another way to reduce infection rates and thereby reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. Vaccines provide protection against two low-risk and two high-risk types and is expected to provide protection against 90 percent of genital warts and 70 percent of cervical cancers. There are, however no conclusive reports that the vaccine may offer some protection against the other HPVs causing cervical cancer. In addition, the vaccine does not have effectiveness against pre-existing infections and thus to be most effective, need to be given before a person is sexually active. Thus, protection is incomplete and screening is still needed periodically using a pap and (once 30 or over) the HPV test. * * *Times Wellness Workshop on “Cervical Cancer” will be held on January 29 at Ahlcon International School, Mayur Vihar, Phase-1, Delhi at 4 pm. Call 011-23782396, 23782765 *
