Lifestyle Choices and Cervical Cancer Risk: What You Can Do

Cervical cancer is a serious health condition that affects thousands of women every year. It occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix — the lower part of the uterus — grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. While cervical cancer is highly preventable, it remains a significant health concern due to its often silent nature, especially in its early stages. Understanding cervical cancer risk factors and how lifestyle choices can impact them is crucial for prevention.

What Is Cervical Cancer and Why Is It Dangerous?

Cervical cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the cervix, usually due to persistent infections from certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV infections are common and often go away on their own, some high-risk strains can lead to the development of cervical cancer over time. According to the National Cancer Institute, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers due to the availability of vaccines and early screening options.

Cervical cancer can be particularly dangerous because it often doesn’t present symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms such as unusual bleeding or pelvic pain appear, the cancer may have already spread. Early detection through regular screening, such as Pap smears, can help identify abnormal cells before they become cancerous, significantly improving survival rates.

Understanding Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

Several risk factors for cervical cancer increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Some of these are related to lifestyle choices, while others are linked to genetics or other environmental factors. Below are the most common risk factors for cervical cancer:

HPV Infection: Persistent infections with certain high-risk strains of HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer. HPV is spread through sexual contact, making it one of the most significant cervical cancer risk factors.
Smoking: Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections, including HPV. Women who smoke are at a higher risk of cervical cancer than nonsmokers.
Multiple Sexual Partners: Having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of contracting HPV and means a higher chance of exposure to the virus.
Weakened Immune System: Conditions such as HIV/AIDS, which compromise the immune system, can make it more difficult for the body to clear HPV infections, increasing the risk of cervical cancer.
Chronic Use of Birth Control Pills: Long-term use of oral contraceptives has been linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer, though the risk decreases once the use of birth control pills stops.
Age: The risk of cervical cancer by age increases for women over 30, with the highest number of diagnoses typically occurring between the ages of 35 and 44. Women over 50 are also at higher risk, especially if they haven’t had regular screenings.

How Lifestyle Choices Impact Cervical Cancer Risks

While genetics and HPV exposure are major contributors to cervical cancer, your lifestyle can significantly affect your cervical cancer risks. By making healthy choices, you can lower your chances of developing the disease. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Get Vaccinated Against HPV: One of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of cervical cancer is by getting vaccinated against HPV. The HPV vaccine protects against the most common cancer-causing strains of the virus. The vaccine is recommended for both girls and boys, ideally between the ages of 11 and 12, but it can be given to individuals up to age 45.

Quit Smoking: Smoking is a high-risk factor for cervical cancer. The toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage cells and make it harder for the immune system to fight off HPV infections. Women who smoke are about twice as likely to develop cervical cancer compared to nonsmokers. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to reduce your risk factors for cervical cancer.

Practice Safe Sex: Using condoms can lower the risk of HPV transmission, although it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. Limiting the number of sexual partners can also reduce your risk of HPV exposure. These measures can lower your cervical cancer risks significantly.

Get Regular Pap Smears and Pelvic Exams: Routine screening with Pap smears and pelvic exams can detect abnormal cells early, allowing for prompt treatment before cancer develops. Women should start getting Pap smears at age 21 and continue every three years. After age 30, you may have the option of getting a combined Pap smear and HPV test every five years.

Maintain a Healthy Diet and Weight: A healthy diet can strengthen your immune system, helping it fight off infections such as HPV. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and maintaining a healthy weight, can reduce your risk of developing various cancers, including cervical cancer.

Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken your immune system and increase your cervical cancer risk factors. Limiting alcohol intake can help reduce your overall cancer risk. Women should aim to drink no more than one alcoholic drink per day.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Why It Matters

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is observed every January, and it plays a crucial role in spreading awareness about the disease, encouraging prevention, and promoting early detection. This month-long campaign is a reminder for women to get screened regularly and take steps to protect themselves from cervical cancer.

In addition to promoting HPV vaccination and regular screenings, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month also highlights the importance of educating women about the risks and signs of cervical cancer. The more women know about their risks and how to reduce them, the more likely they are to make informed decisions about their health.

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, and making informed lifestyle choices can significantly lower your cervical cancer risks. By getting vaccinated against HPV, quitting smoking, practicing safe sex, and getting regular screenings, you can take control of your health and reduce your risk factors for cervical cancer. Remember that early detection is key to successful treatment, and Cervical Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of regular checkups.

If you want to take a proactive approach to your health, now is the time to make the necessary changes to reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

At MyAlly Health, we understand the importance of your reproductive health and the role it plays in your overall wellness. We offer Pap smears, pelvic examinations, and pregnancy tests to help ensure your reproductive health. You can also receive Gardasil vaccinations to protect you from HPV infections, as well as sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment and annual examinations, such as physicals, wellness checks, and mental health screenings, to promote your overall health.

Additionally, we offer several vaccinations at our clinic, including influenza, hepatitis A and B, meningococcal disease, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment to get vaccinated, reach out to us today.

MyAlly Health provides confidential reproductive health services to women and men in the Grand Forks, North Dakota, area regardless of income or age. This includes offering preventive care, such as STI testing, breast screening, and pelvic examinations, and determining the best birth control for you. The clinical services we provide are all performed by nurse practitioners and resident physicians.

In order to empower and engage individuals in their well-being and reproductive health, MyAlly Health offers education, counseling, advocacy, and health care services. Find out more about what we do, help make a difference by donating to our cause, or schedule an appointment with us today.