Cervical Cancer Prevention: Pap Smear Screening

Cervical Cancer Prevention

Pap Smear Screening

• Cervical cancer screening is essential for early detection and prevention
• Pap smear test:
  • Collects cells from the cervix to detect abnormal cell changes
  • Recommended for women between 21-65 years old
  • Frequency: every 3 years for women 21-29 years old, every 5 years for women 30-65 years old (or every 3 years with HPV test)
• Abnormal Pap smear results:
  • May require further testing (e.g., colposcopy, biopsy) to confirm diagnosis
  • Can lead to early treatment and prevention of cervical cancer

HPV Vaccination

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer
• HPV vaccination:
  • Recommended for girls and boys between 11-12 years old (before sexual activity)
  • Protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause 70% of cervical cancers
  • Series of 2-3 doses, depending on age and health status
• Benefits of HPV vaccination:
  • Reduces risk of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions
  • Also protects against other HPV-related cancers (e.g., anal, oropharyngeal)

Lifestyle Modifications

• Risk factors for cervical cancer:
  • Early sexual activity
  • Multiple sexual partners
  • Smoking
  • Weakened immune system
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce cervical cancer risk:
  • Delay sexual activity until later in life
  • Practice safe sex (e.g., condoms, monogamy)
  • Quit smoking
  • Maintain a healthy immune system through regular exercise, balanced diet, and adequate sleep
• Importance of regular cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination in conjunction with lifestyle modifications

Cervical Cancer Prevention

Pap Smear Screening

• Cervical cancer screening is crucial for early detection and prevention
• Pap smear test collects cells from the cervix to detect abnormal cell changes
• Women between 21-65 years old should undergo Pap smear testing
• Frequency of Pap smear testing:
  • Every 3 years for women 21-29 years old
  • Every 5 years for women 30-65 years old
  • Every 3 years with HPV test for women 30-65 years old
• Abnormal Pap smear results may require further testing, such as colposcopy or biopsy, to confirm diagnosis
• Early treatment and prevention of cervical cancer are possible with abnormal Pap smear results

HPV Vaccination

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer
• HPV vaccination is recommended for girls and boys between 11-12 years old
• HPV vaccination protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause 70% of cervical cancers
• HPV vaccine series consists of 2-3 doses, depending on age and health status
• HPV vaccination reduces the risk of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions
• It also protects against other HPV-related cancers, such as anal and oropharyngeal cancers

Lifestyle Modifications

• Risk factors for cervical cancer include:
  • Early sexual activity
  • Multiple sexual partners
  • Smoking
  • Weakened immune system
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce cervical cancer risk:
  • Delaying sexual activity until later in life
  • Practicing safe sex (e.g., condoms, monogamy)
  • Quitting smoking
  • Maintaining a healthy immune system through:
    • Regular exercise
    • Balanced diet
    • Adequate sleep
• Importance of combining regular cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination with lifestyle modifications