Will HPV infection definitely cause cervical cancer? What are the ways to prevent cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women aged 15 to 44 in China, with about 130,000 new cases each year. China's annual cervical cancer cases account for more than 28% of the world's cases. Globally, one new case is detected every minute, and one woman dies from cervical cancer every two minutes. Almost all (99.7%) cervical cancers are caused by papillomavirus (HpV) infection.

HPV infection is very common. As long as you start having sex, you will be infected with HPV throughout your life. The HPV infection rate in sexually active women is about 50% to 80%. There are more than 100 types of HPV virus, which is what we usually call "valence", but more than 70% of cervical cancer is related to infection with types 16 and 18. The infection rate of HPV16 and HPV18 in Chinese women is 84.5%. The existing vaccine can effectively protect most women from HPV virus infection.

Risk factors for cervical cancer

1. HPV infection

Papillomavirus (HPV) is the number one risk factor for cervical cancer. The most common way HPV is transmitted is sexually (but not the only way). According to statistics, about 80% of sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Does this mean that all these people will get cervical cancer?

Because on the one hand, there are more than 200 types of HPV, and only a few subtypes are considered to cause cervical cancer "high risk groups", such as type 16, type 18, etc. On the other hand, the body can clear HpV on its own and 90% of the infection will not continue. But after a few people are infected with it, the virus will slowly change the cervical cells, and over time it will cause cancer.

Long-term oral contraceptives

Taking oral contraceptives for five years or longer increases the incidence of cervical cancer. Researchers speculate that common ingredients such as estrogen and progesterone may make cervical cells more susceptible to HPV infection, affect the ability of cervical cells to clear the infection, and cause abnormal cell changes.

3. Smoking

Smoking is not only related to lung cancer, but also increases the risk of cervical cancer in women. Studies have confirmed that smokers are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer as non-smokers. Although the mechanism between smoking and cervical cancer is still unclear, researchers speculate that the harmful substances in tobacco damage the DNA of cervical cells.

Weak immunity

If the immune system is low, it will be difficult for the body to clear HPV infection, and precancerous lesions will develop into invasive breast cancer more quickly. There are usually two types of patients with low immunity: one is immune deficiency, and the other is tumor or autoimmunity, taking immunosuppressants for treatment. These female patients must pay more attention to regular screening.

5. Have a history of high-risk sexual life

High-risk sexual behaviors such as multiple sexual partners will increase the risk of HPV and cervical cancer in patients.

6. Don’t eat fruits and vegetables

Many fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which can help the body prevent and fight HPV infection. Since cervical cancer is more common in low-income women, one theory is that this is related to their lack of fresh fruits and vegetables and unhealthy diet, which also suggests that we should maintain good eating habits in our lives.

In addition to vaccines, you must also learn to prevent cervical cancer!

Cervical cancer is difficult to detect in the early stages. Because there are no signs, many people don't realize they are infected. HPV virus, so prevention and regular screening are particularly important. Paying attention to these aspects in life can help reduce the incidence of cervical cancer:

1. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

2. Pay attention to sexual hygiene and menstrual hygiene. Specific practices include: first choose breathable, loose women's cotton underwear, pay attention to the cleanliness of the vulva and underwear; pay attention to menstrual hygiene; moderate sex life appropriately, and it is best to wear condoms during sex.

Go to bed early and get up early, and stay up late less.

Eat a balanced diet, eat more vegetables and fruits, and eat less high-fat, high-calorie foods.

5. Actively engage in physical exercise. A new study recently published in the Journal of Lower Reproductive Tract Diseases found that women who exercise for 30 minutes a week can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

Promoting late marriage and good eugenics, delaying the age of sexual activity and reducing the number of births can reduce the risk of cervical cancer in women.

7. Actively prevent and treat diseases such as chronic cervicitis.

8. If a man has phimosis or foreskin that is too long, he should clean it regularly to keep his genitals clean. It is best to undergo circumcision as soon as possible, which can not only reduce the risk of cervical cancer, but also effectively prevent the occurrence of penile cancer.