According to a report published by BMC Women’s Health, India contributes to nearly 1/3rd of the global cervical cancer with over 122K cases every year. Cervical cancer is said to be silent but deadly. This disease is almost always caused by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). This virus can be detected in 93% of all cervical cancers. However, the virus alone is not sufficient to cause cancer. It is other factors like

Smoking
Inadequate nutrition
A weak immune system
Pregnancy

The best doctors in the country share that HPV is very common. Almost 80% of the sexually active population has at least once in their lifetime come in contact with the HPV. But the majority of the masses never develop any symptoms as their body’s natural immune system can usually clear the virus from the body within 2 years. This raises the most common question- Is cervical cancer curable?

Dr Suresh Advani, the best doctor for cervical cancer shares that this disease is generally viewed as curable. The chances of complete treatment significantly increase when the cancer is detected in the early stages.

There are a few ways you can prevent your chances of developing cervical cancer. The top-rated cervical cancer doctors shed light upon the measures you as an individual can take to prevent cervical cancer.

Get routine Pap tests
When you consult an oncologist online, they will recommend you to get a Pap test done. These tests enable the doctors to detect changes in the cells of the cervix or other abnormalities to take appropriate action before cancer develops. It is recommended for women above the age of 21 to take the Pap tests at least once every three years. After the age of 30, the number of recommended Pap tests reduces to once every five years as long as the results for HPV along with the tests are negative. If a woman experiences unusual bleeding during intercourse, it must be evaluated by a gynaecologist only.

According to some of the best oncologists in India, most people with cervical cancer have not had their Pap tests done within the past five years or worse, ever.

Pay attention to the abnormal Pap smears
If the patient’s test results show an infection, the doctor will treat them and perform the test again after some time. However, if the examination suggests the presence of something other than infection, the best doctor for cervical cancer will perform other tests to determine the problem.
In certain cases where the women have experienced a prior abnormal Pap test, the doctors might also perform an HPV DNA test to detect the presence of HPV on their cervix.

Practice safe safe
Various studies have shown that people with multiple sexual partners face an increased risk of developing HPV and hence, cervical cancer. It is always recommended to use a condom every time during sex. Engaging in unprotected sex increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. This results in the exposure and vulnerability of developing precancerous changes of the cervix.

However, it is important to know that condoms do not provide complete protection from HPV. HPV can still infect the areas that are not covered by the condom. This is why it is essential to take the HPV vaccine in addition to using protection.

Avoid smoking
CDC shares that smoking cigarettes double the risk of developing cervical cancer. The by-products of tobacco are known to damage the DNS of the cervix cells and lead to the development of cancer.

Get Vaccinated
As some of the top-rated cervical cancer doctors, we cannot stress enough the importance of getting vaccinated. The HPV vaccine shields the body against the types of HPV that most often result in cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. This vaccine is recommended for preteens starting from age 11-12 but can also be given to kids at the age of 9. Anyone through the age of 26 who has not taken the vaccine is recommended to take it as soon as possible. If a person takes the HPV vaccine before the age of 15 are advised to two doses scheduled 6 to 12 months apart.

Take screening tests
There are 2 screening tests that can help in preventing cervical cancer or detect it early- The Pap test and the HPV test.

The Pap test looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might indicate that the cancer is not treated properly. The HPV test tests for the virus that can cause abnormality in cells.

Both these tests can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic. Dr Suresh Advani is one of the top-rated cervical cancer doctors who perform both these tests. If you wish to take the expert opinion on your test results, you can connect with his team from anywhere in the country and consult the oncologist online.