Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women, but it is preventable and curable when discovered early.
Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Almost all sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives, usually without symptoms.
In most cases, the immune system clears HPV from the body. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause abnormal cells to develop. Typically, it takes 15–20 years for abnormal cells to become cancer.
Risk factors for cancer progression include:
The type of HPV a person has
Immune status
The presence of other sexually transmitted infections
Number of births
Young age at first pregnancy
Hormonal contraceptive use
Smoking
The good news is that cervical cancer is preventable and can be cured if diagnosed early.
Here are three steps to protect yourself from cervical cancer:
Being vaccinated at age 9–14 years
Screening from the age of 30
Prompt quality treatment can cure cervical cancer
