Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, having safe sex, and getting the HPV vaccine contribute to preventing cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer occurs when cells in the cervix grow abnormally, forming malignant tumors. If not detected and treated promptly, cancer cells can invade neighboring organs and metastasize to the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina and rectum.
BS.CKII Nguyen The Hien, Head of Radiotherapy Department, Oncology Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, cited a number of studies showing that about 99.7% of cervical cancer cases are related to HPV infection (Human Papilloma Virus). The time from HPV infection to cancer formation usually lasts 10-15 years. The disease can be prevented and detected early.
Keep the private area clean
Prolonged gynecological infections cause damage to cervical cells, increasing the risk of HPV infection and pre-cancerous changes. Women should be careful not to douche deeply in the vagina or overuse cleaning solutions with high pH. During menstruation, you should change sanitary napkins and underwear regularly to limit the risk of infection and contribute to maintaining a balanced vaginal environment.
Prevention of chronic gynecological infections
Recurrent infections caused by fungi, bacteria, Chlamydia… cause prolonged damage to the cervix. This is a favorable environment for HPV to cause cell changes and promote cancer.
Doctor Hien advises patients. Illustration photo: Tam Anh General Hospital
Have safe sex
HPV virus is transmitted mainly through sexual contact. Safe sex such as using condoms reduces the possibility of transmitting the virus, but cannot provide absolute protection. Being faithful to one sexual partner helps reduce the risk of exposure to the source of infection. Don’t have sex too early, especially during adolescence. At this time, the cervix is not fully developed, the mucosa is still thin and vulnerable, creating conditions for HPV to penetrate.
Get the HPV vaccine
Vaccines help the body create antibodies against the HPV virus. When the virus invades, the immune system already has a protective mechanism to recognize and destroy it, preventing HPV from attacking cervical cells. This is a proactive and highly effective preventive measure, according to Dr. Hien.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
A healthy immune system can help the body eliminate HPV virus within about 1-2 years. Each person needs to eat enough nutrients such as protein, vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats. Exercise regularly, get enough sleep, reduce stress… to strengthen the immune system.
Dr. Hien recommends avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and stimulants. Nicotine and toxins in cigarette smoke weaken immunity in the cervix and directly damage cell DNA, causing cancer to progress faster. Women should have regular gynecological examinations at hospitals to detect pre-cancerous lesions (if any) early and receive timely treatment before progressing to cervical cancer. If you have had sex, you should get an HPV test and appropriate screening methods as recommended by your doctor.