Taking the necessary steps to prevent cervical cancer as a teenager can greatly reduce your chances of developing cervical cancer in the future. This type of cancer is very common among women and in most cases it is caused by certain strains of HPV, or the human papillomavirus. Limiting or avoiding exposure to HPV is the best way to prevent cervical cancer in teenagers.
Intercourse
Teenagers who remain abstinent can greatly reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer. HPV is most often transmitted during sexual intercourse, so avoiding sexual intercourse altogether will in turn help to prevent teenagers from contracting this infection that can lead to cervical cancer. If teenagers are having sexual intercourse, they can help prevent cervical cancer by having very few sexual partners and by always using condoms.
Smoking
Teenagers who smoke are at a higher risk for developing cervical cancer. If you are a teen who smokes, you should quit to lower your risk. If you have never smoked, do not start or else you raise your risk of developing cervical cancer.
Vaccinations
There is a vaccination available to help prevent cervical cancer. Teenagers can get this vaccination as young as 11 years old. This vaccination, called Gardasil, is capable of preventing cervical cancer up 70 percent of the time. The Gardasil vaccination is most effective when a teenager gets it before becoming sexually active. This vaccination does not prevent every type of HPV infection, but it does help to prevent the majority of them that can lead to cervical cancer.
Pap Smears
Getting your annual Pap smear can help to prevent cervical cancer. Teenagers who are sexually active should have a Pap smear annually. Pap smears are the most common diagnostic test used to detect cervical cancer. They are the most effective method of diagnosing cervical cancer in its early stages.
Family History
Knowing your family history can help to prevent cervical cancer when you are a teenager. If you have family members who have had cervical cancer, you have a greater risk of developing this cancer. Teenagers who have a family history of cervical cancer should talk to their doctors about when they should start getting annual Pap smears to test for cervical cancer.
STDs
Teenagers who have had other STDs are at a greater risk of developing cervical cancer. To prevent cervical cancer, teenagers should take the necessary precautions to reduce their risk of contracting other STDs. Other STDs that may increase your cervical cancer risk include syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia.
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