How to prevent cervical cancer and symptoms

Though knowledge and awareness are the first steps towards prevention, taking precautionary measures and following these steps can help you prevent the disease.

Knowing that cervical cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in India and accepting that everyone is at risk is the first step towards effective prevention. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, is present in 99.7% of cervical cancer cases, and thus prevention includes:

Having safe sex with a single partner. Using condoms though not fool proof, is a good practice.
Avoiding smoking
Having a healthy lifestyle:

Diet rich in antioxidants, vegetables, fruits, fiber and whole wheat products

Physical activity & exercise, maintaining healthy weight, controlling stress levels

Getting screened regularly and knowing about pap smear & HPV DNA tests

It is appropriate that women above 30 have both HPV DNA test and a pap test at the time of screening, as this helps in early diagnosis

For women above 30, if both the HPV DNA test and the pap test are negative, pre-cancerous changes or cancer is highly unlikely and testing does not need to be repeated for three years. If the pap test is negative and the HR-HPV test is positive, both should be repeated in 6-12 months.

Discussing vaccination with your gynecologist

Vaccination against specific types of HPV is another way to reduce infection rates and thereby reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. Vaccines provide protection against two low-risk and two high-risk types and is expected to provide protection against 90 percent of genital warts and 70 percent of cervical cancers. There are, however no conclusive reports that the vaccine may offer some protection against the other HPVs causing cervical cancer. In addition, the vaccine does not have effectiveness against preexisting infections and thus to be most effective, need to be given before a person is sexually active. Thus, protection is incomplete and screening is a must using a pap and (once 30 or over) the HPV test.


Early cervical cancers are easily missed as they affect an area of the body not visible externally and don’t usually cause express symptoms.

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (the womb) and connects the upper part of the uterus to the vagina (the birth canal).

Who gets it?

All women are at risk. Approximately 80% of the new cases occur in developing countries like India, which reports approximately one fourth of the world’s cases of cervical cancer each year. The human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted infections is the main cause of cervical cancer and is associated with 99.7% of all cervical cancer cases.

What puts a woman at risk?

Starting sexual activity at a young age (before 18 years) Having multiple sexual partners Having Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection Having had any sexually transmitted infection Smoking Having more than 3 children (multiple deliveries) Having the first pregnancy at a young age (before 18 years) Having a weakened immune system

How does a woman know she has cervical cancer?

Early cervical cancers are easily missed as they affect an area of the body not visible externally and don't usually cause express symptoms. When the cancer grows larger, or spreads, women may notice: Increased vaginal discharge Abnormal vaginal bleeding Bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods

Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam Bleeding or spotting after attaining menopause Pelvic pain Pain during sex Menstrual periods that last longer and are heavier than before These must not be ignored and women should seek immediate medical attention. With regular screening tests, cervical cancer is the easiest female cancer to prevent and also highly curable when found and treated early.