Causes and prevention of Cervical Cancer in brief

All over the world, Cervical Cancer Elimination Day is observed to raise awareness about one of the most preventable cancers affecting women. This day draws attention to the World Health Organization’s mission to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem through widespread vaccination, early screening, timely treatment and education. This is extremely important because it is a fact that as more people learn about the disease and ways to prevent it, greater are the chances of a future where cervical cancer is rare.

Cervical Cancer – primary causes

Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix, usually after years of persistent infection. The primary causes are as follows:

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection

HPV is a very common virus transmitted through sexual contact. Although most HPV infections clear on their own, some high-risk strains—especially HPV 16 and HPV 18—can cause abnormal cell growth, eventually leading to cervical cancer. HPV is responsible for over 95% of cervical cancer cases globally.

Weakened Immune System

Women with weakened immunity due to HIV or long-term immunosuppressive medications are susceptible to HPV infections, increasing cancer risk.

Smoking

Tobacco use has been linked to cervical cancer because chemicals from cigarettes, found in cervical mucus, damage the DNA of cervical cells and weaken local immunity.

Long-Term Use of Oral Contraceptives

Using birth control pills for more than five years slightly increases cervical cancer risk, though the benefits of contraception often outweigh this factor. Risk reduces after stopping the pill.

Early Sexual Activity and Multiple Partners

Starting sexual activity at a young age and having multiple partners raise the chances of contracting high-risk HPV strains.

Other Reproductive Factors

Multiple pregnancies and poor genital hygiene can also increase the risk of contracting this disease.

Preventing cervical cancer

The good news is that this cancer can be prevented. This is possible through a combination of vaccination, screening and healthy lifestyle choices. On Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, the focus is on promoting these measures widely. Lert’s take a look at some of them.

HPV Vaccination

The HPV vaccine is the most effective step in preventing cervical cancer. It protects against the high-risk HPV strains responsible for the majority of cases.

• Recommended for girls and boys aged 9–14
• Catch-up vaccination available up to age 26
• Even adults up to age 45 may benefit after consulting a doctor

Vaccination works best when given before exposure to HPV, but it offers protection even later.

Regular Screening (Pap Smear and HPV Test)

Screening detects precancerous changes long before they turn into cancer. Here are the intervals at which tests recommended:

• Pap smear: every 3 years from age 21
• HPV test: every 5 years from age 30
• Co-testing: Pap + HPV test together for maximum accuracy

Early detection makes all the difference.

Safe Sexual Practices

Using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners reduces HPV exposure.

Quitting Smoking

Stopping tobacco use significantly lowers cervical cancer risk.

Timely Treatment of Precancerous Lesions

If screening tests show abnormal cells, timely treatment can prevent cancer from developing.

Cervical Cancer Elimination Day reminds us that cervical cancer can be prevented if detected early and treated effectively. With vaccination, awareness and regular screening, we can aim to eliminate this disease for future generations.