Cancer - How Can It Be Prevented?

As we make many advances in the medical field, it can be safely estimated that almost one-third of cancers are avertable. This holds true for gynaecologic cancers and cervical cancer as well. With proper care and by making important lifestyle changes, these cancers can be prevented at an early stage, thus improving the longevity of a healthy person’s life.

Let us take a look at some of the cancer prevention and detection in the field of gynecology.

1. Cervical cancer: This is one of the common cancers in women. In the developed world, one in every two individual is at the risk of being diagnosed with it. HPV is the main cancer causing agent of cervical cancers and a majority of these cancers can be prevented via HPV vaccination and many more types are preventable by early screening and diagnosis.
   • HPV vaccination: One of the effective ways to prevent cervical cancer is by vaccination. While a majority of the vaccines are done under the age of 5, HPV vaccines are inoculated to girls aged between 9 to 13 years. In all technicalities, they are done before a girl reaches puberty. HPV vaccination is for girls before they are sexually active.
   • Screening: Screening is also one more important step that helps in the early detection of cancerous cells and aids in the prevention. Screenings and diagnosis can be safely had by women who reach their puberty age and it is extremely important to have this check-up periodically.
2. Uterine Cancer: Uterine Cancer is also one of the common types of cancer women experience and it is the 5th most common cancer among the women population. Just like other types of cancer, it can be completely cured if detected at an early stage. However, there is no definite way to screen uterine cancer, other than routine ultrasonography of pelvis. They are mostly related to obesity and high estrogen exposure. Uterine cancer is most common at the age of menopause and sometimes also found in reproductive age group.
3. Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer is a rare type of cancer, but is one of the most hyperactive types of gynaecological cancers. There are no fool-proof screening methods available for it and it and in case if it is diagnosed at an early stage can be cured. It depends on a number of factors such as estrogen levels and in many cases; genetics seem to play an important role in such cancers. Also, women who have a family history of ovarian or colorectal cancer should be more careful in their approach and should be screened for cancerous cells periodically.

Conclusion
There are many screening programs and vaccination procedures where the cancerous cells can be safely eradicated. Awareness is extremely crucial for all types of cancer and gynaecological cancers are no different either. Get periodic health check-ups as a part of your routine and seek medical attention immediately in case of any abnormalities.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!