Cervical cancer is the third leading form of cancer that kills thousands of women every year across the globe. Infection caused by different strains of human papilloma virus (HPV) results in cervical cancer. Sexually active women of all ages are vulnerable to HPV infection which results in genital warts and cervical cancer in the later years. Climbing cervical cancer rates among teenagers have compelled the governments of different nations to embark upon certain measures in order to prevent cervical cancer among teenagers. Cervical cancer rates in US have declined dramatically in the past few years. Thanks to the awareness in women going for regular pap smear tests and HPV vaccination. But the higher incidences of this disease among the teenagers present a worrying situation. It is the tendency of the sexually active teenagers to avoid preventions and treatments of HPV infections that have led to the rise in cervical cancer among them. The present generation should strive to educate all about the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer to secure the health of the future generation.
Abstinence from sex
Abstinence from sex is the simplest way to prevent cervical cancer among teenagers. Over enthusiasm and adventurous attitude often drive the teens towards sexual intercourse and they end up contacting high risk HPV infections. Having sex is not a sin, but indulging in sex at a tender age is not permissible either. You should deal with sexual activities responsibly and not casually. Give top priority to your education, character building and mental development. Having sex at an early age without proper knowledge ultimately leads towards serious health hazards in the form of sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer. Engage yourself in various creative activities. Creativity nourishes your brain keeping you away from unhealthy sexual activities.
Restrict your sexual partners
Avoid having sexual intercourse with multiple sex partners. You may not be sure whether your partner is carrying HPV infection or not. Many teenagers unknowingly invite sexually transmitted infections through multiple sex partners, which mostly manifest in the form of genital warts. Serious forms of genital warts can ultimately lead to cervical cancer. This is the reason that teenagers having multiple sex partners show higher incidences of cervical cancer. Sexually transmitted infections like HPV infections spread quickly through multiple sex partners. Restricting your sexual activity with one definitely lowers your risk of contacting cervical cancer in the future.
Practice safe sex
Look before you leap! Educate yourself about safe sex practices before indulging in sexual activities. This will prevent you from contacting deadly sexually transmitted infections. Indulging in unsafe sex is one of the main causes of cervical cancer in teenagers. Always insist your partner to use condoms during sex. Never give in to the excuses of your partner of not using a condom. You will be risking your life. Be smart enough to convince your partner about the benefits of condom usage as both of you will be on the safe side. Condoms can prevent unwanted pregnancies. Condoms do not guarantee 100% protection from sexually transmitted infections, but definitely lower the risk of contacting them.
Go for regular pap tests
If you are a sexually active teenager occasionally indulging in unsafe sex practices, then you should go for pap smear tests regularly. Pap smear test is the simplest method to detect any abnormality of the cervix at the earliest and prevent you from developing cervical cancer in the future. It is a simple painless routine test which can be carried out easily. Most teenagers avoid this test and invite deadly cervical cancer. Your doctor may advise more than one pap smear test to rule out the possibilities of cervical cancer. Regular pap smear tests have saved thousands of women from falling prey to this deadly disease. You need to follow up regularly in case of any abnormality in the results of pap smear tests.
Get yourself vaccinated
Discovery of HPV vaccine is a great breakthough in the medical history that has opened up a new way to prevent teenage cervical cancer. This 3 shot vaccine should be administered within 6 months at specified intervals. This vaccine needs to be administered at a very early age before a girl becomes sexually active. According to specialists, this vaccine can be administered at a tender age of 9 before a girl attains puberty. Most parents avoid vaccination of their teenager girls assuming that their kids are far away from sexual activities. This may not be a wise thinking always. Teenagers and their parents can talk to the health care providers about the beneficial aspects of HPV vaccination.
Change your lifestyle
This is another important aspect that requires serious attention in order to prevent cervical cancer. If you have picked up smoking at this age, you are risking your life knowingly. Being a teenager of Gen Y, you cannot afford to remain unaware of the unhealthy effects of smoking. Smoking also places you at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Smoking coupled with HPV infection will undoubtedly aggravate cervical dysplasia. Passive smoking is equally dangerous in developing cervical cancer. Take special care of your daily nutrition if you are already carrying HPV infection. Take vitamin enriched foods to boost your body immunity. Antioxidants are miracle ingredients present in colored fruits and vegetables which helps in preventing cervical cancer to a great extent. Avoid excessive stress. Leading a stressful life may cause recurrence of HPV infections.
Obey parental guidance
Last but not the least; follow your parental guidance strictly to prevent cervical cancer. Never hesitate to talk to your parents if you have any doubts regarding sex and its consequences. Initially, you may be hesitant to discuss matters related to sex with them. But it is wise to be free and frank with your parents than with the outsiders. Your parents will not hold you back from your enjoyments but will show you the right way to enjoy at this age. They are the best people to guide you about teenage sex and its effects. You can also ask them to take you to a gynae for the proper guidance regarding teenage sex and cervical cancer. A wise step taken at this blooming age will lead to a brighter future ahead.
