5 Ways to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hale Göksever Çelik, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Acıbadem Fulya Hospital, explained five ways to protect against cervical cancer and the importance of early diagnosis in cervical cancer. January is observed as cervical cancer awareness month. During this awareness month, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hale Göksever Çelik from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Acıbadem Fulya Hospital shared important information about cervical cancer. Çelik shared five ways to protect against cervical cancer, one of the most common genital cancers in the world. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hale Göksever Outlined Ways to Protect Against Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer, one of the most common genital cancers in the world, can be transmitted through poor nutrition, alcohol and tobacco use, sexual contact, and HPV virus. During the January cervical cancer awareness month, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hale Göksever Çelik from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Acıbadem Fulya Hospital made statements. Çelik noted that more than 350,000 women died from cervical cancer last year. Çelik also stressed that it is possible to prevent cervical cancer from developing through regular screening. During the cervical cancer awareness month, Çelik stated that 4,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually in our country. Çelik said: "Cervical cancer is a cancer caused by a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus). This virus infects cells in cervical tissue, causing abnormal growth and malignant transformation of these cells. Tobacco and alcohol use, immune system disorders, poor nutrition, multiple partners and multiple pregnancies are among the risk factors."

All Women Should Have Regular Screening Starting from Age 30

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hale Göksever Çelik noted that cells infected with HPV in the cervix can take years to become cancerous, and that in the pre-cancer period, screening can detect cells at risk of becoming cancerous, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment. Çelik also explained that screening can be performed using PAP smear and HPV tests taken from the cervix during gynecological examination. Çelik stated: "While there are different screening programs worldwide, the most widely accepted method is the PAP smear test. A PAP smear test involves taking a sample from the cervix during gynecological examination and examining the cells from this tissue. It is recommended for all women starting from age 21. The HPV test is performed on a sample taken from the cervix to detect one of the high-risk HPV types that can cause cancer. It is recommended for all women starting from age 30. Since it is possible to prevent cervical cancer, whose incidence has been increasing in recent years, through preventive measures, it is very important for parents to inform young people about this." she said. Çelik outlined five important measures to protect against cervical cancer. Çelik addressed nutrition, tobacco and alcohol use, sexual contact, regular checkups, and vaccination.

Pay Attention to Your Diet

Eating healthy and balanced meals reduces the likelihood of developing cervical cancer. Similarly, tobacco and alcohol use increase the production of oxidant substances that are harmful to the body and increase susceptibility to disease, while reducing their elimination from the body.

Pay Attention to Regular Checkups

Çelik, who also emphasized safe sexual contact, noted that HPV, which causes cancer, is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. Stating that condom use is the most effective contraceptive method, Çelik said that avoiding multiple partners also reduces the risk. Çelik emphasized the importance of having regular annual gynecological checkups. Cervical cancer screening tests and HPV screening obtained during these examinations allow for early diagnosis and effective management of cervical cancer before it progresses. Cervical Cancer Vaccines Have Cancer Prevention Effectiveness Reaching 90 Percent Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hale Göksever Çelik, obstetrician and gynecologist, says: "Cervical cancer vaccines have cancer prevention effectiveness reaching 90 percent. Vaccines are administered in two doses at ages 9-15 and in three doses from age 15 onwards."