You might make time for workouts, choose wholesome foods, and get regular health checkups. You may also invest in skincare, mental well-being, and overall wellness. But amidst all this, when was the last time you paused to think about your cervical health?

For many women, cervical health is often overlooked, pushed to the bottom of their wellness priorities, and only addressed when symptoms arise. 

Yet, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and a simple awareness check can make all the difference between early detection and late-stage complications.

That’s why January, observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, serves as an important reminder to every woman: Your health is in your hands. It is a month dedicated to spreading awareness, encouraging timely screenings, and understanding the risk factors associated with cervical cancer. 

 

A Conversation That Can Save Lives

In India alone, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, with over 127,526 new cases diagnosed annually (Source: Globocan, 2022, India). 

 

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Cervical Cancer
Source: Globocan, 2022, India; https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/356-india-fact-sheet.pdf

 

The good news? 

It’s largely preventable with timely intervention, lifestyle modifications, and regular screenings.

Despite being preventable, cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women globally.

Why?

Because of a lack of awareness, late detection, and misinformation surrounding its risk factors, many women don’t realize that simple lifestyle choices, sexual health practices, and regular screenings can significantly reduce their chances of developing cervical cancer.

The goal is simple: to equip you with the right knowledge, backed by science, and empower you to make informed health choices

Because every woman deserves to live a healthy, cancer-free life.

So, let’s dive deep into understanding how small, conscious changes can protect you and the women around you.

 

Risk Factors: What You Need to Know

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the cervix grow uncontrollably, potentially spreading to other parts of the body. The two main types are squamous cell carcinoma (most common) and adenocarcinoma (less common but rising).

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer, responsible for nearly 95% of cases. HPV is a group of more than 200 viruses, most of which are harmless and don’t cause symptoms. However, high-risk strains of HPV, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, can cause persistent infections that lead to abnormal cell changes in the cervix.

HPV infection is common, and for most women, the body’s immune system clears the infection naturally within a couple of years. However, when the infection persists, especially with high-risk strains, it can lead to precancerous changes (dysplasia) that can eventually develop into cervical cancer if left untreated.

Risk increases with:

  • Multiple sexual partners
  • Early initiation of sexual activity
  • Not using protection (condoms) during sexual intercourse

 

Weakened Immune System: Increased Vulnerability to HPV

A weakened immune system impairs the body’s ability to fight off infections, including persistent HPV infections. Conditions like HIV/AIDS and immunosuppressive medications (e.g., after organ transplants) can make the immune system less effective, thereby increasing the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Research published by The Lancet indicates that women living with HIV are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer due to their weakened immune systems. HIV patients are more likely to have persistent HPV infections, which, if untreated, can lead to cervical precancerous lesions and eventually cancer. In such cases, regular screenings are strongly recommended to prevent the onset of cervical cancer.

 

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Cervical Cancer
Source: Stelze, Dominik et al. Estimates of the global burden of cervical cancer associated with HIV. The Lancet. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30459-9. Guida, F., Kidman, R., Ferlay, J. et al. Global and regional estimates of orphans attributed to maternal cancer mortality in 2020. Nat Med 28, 2563–2572 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02109-2

Smoking: A Known Risk Factor for Cervical Cancer

Smoking is one of the most significant lifestyle factors that increases the risk of cervical cancer. It introduces toxins into the body that not only damage the cervix but also impair the ability of the immune system to clear HPV infections. According to Molecular Cancer Biology, women who smoke are more likely to have persistent HPV infections because the toxins in cigarette smoke weaken immune function and damage the cells in the cervix.

 

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Cervical Cancer
Source: Aguayo, F., Muñoz, J. P., Perez-Dominguez, F., Carrillo-Beltrán, D., Oliva, C., Calaf, G. M., Blanco, R., & Nuñez-Acurio, D. (2020). High-Risk Human Papillomavirus and Tobacco Smoke Interactions in Epithelial Carcinogenesis. Cancers, 12(8), 2201. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12082201

 

Additionally, smoking directly damages the DNA in cervical cells, increasing the likelihood of abnormal cell changes and cervical cancer development. Therefore, the risk of cervical cancer is significantly higher for women who smoke compared to non-smokers, especially when combined with HPV infection. Quitting smoking reduces this risk and improves overall reproductive health.

 

Are Oral Contraceptives Linked With Increased Cervical Cancer Risk?

Oral contraceptives (OCs) are one of the most widely used methods of birth control globally. They have provided millions of women with reliable options for preventing pregnancy, regulating menstrual cycles, and managing other reproductive health conditions. However, a growing body of scientific research has highlighted a potential link between long-term OC use and an increased risk of cervical cancer

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Cervical Cancer
Image Credits: Freepik

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), women who have used OCs for five or more years may have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer compared to women who have never used birth control pills.

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Cervical Cancer
Source: International Collaboration of Epidemiological Studies of Cervical Cancer, Appleby P, Beral V, et al. Cervical cancer and hormonal contraceptives: Collaborative reanalysis of individual data for 16,573 women with cervical cancer and 35,509 women without cervical cancer from 24 epidemiological studies. Lancet 2007; 370(9599):1609–1621.

 

Oral contraceptives can increase cervical cancer risk due to hormonal changes they induce. These hormones, estrogen and progestin, may make the cervix more vulnerable to persistent HPV infections by weakening immune response and altering its ability to clear the virus. Additionally, OCs can change cervical mucus and the epithelial lining, creating a more favorable environment for HPV, further raising cancer risk.

This risk, however, tends to plateau and eventually decrease over time once the use of OCs is stopped.

Now, you may question the safety considerations: Are OCs Harmful?

While the association between long-term oral contraceptive use and an increased risk of cervical cancer is concerning, it’s essential to understand that OCPs are not inherently harmful when used appropriately. Oral contraceptive pills continue to be a highly effective and safe option for most women when prescribed and used correctly.

However, women who have used OCPs for five or more years should be mindful of their cervical health and engage in regular screenings

Women should also discuss their options with a healthcare provider if they are concerned about the potential risks of OCs, especially if they have a family history of cervical cancer or other risk factors. 

 

Vaginal Health and Cervical Cancer: What Every Woman Should Know

Your vaginal health is deeply interconnected with your overall reproductive well-being, including your risk of cervical cancer. While HPV infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, an imbalance in your vaginal microbiome can weaken natural defenses, making your cervix more vulnerable to infections and precancerous changes.

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Cervical Cancer
Source: Zhou, Z. W., Long, H. Z., Cheng, Y., Luo, H. Y., Wen, D. D., & Gao, L. C. (2021). From Microbiome to Inflammation: The Key Drivers of Cervical Cancer. Frontiers in microbiology, 12, 767931. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.767931

 

Understanding how vaginal health influences cervical health can help you take proactive steps toward prevention and early detection.

Early Puberty and Cervical Cancer Risk: Understanding the Connection

Early puberty is becoming increasingly common, with girls maturing as young as seven or eight years old. While puberty is a natural biological process, the timing of its onset plays a critical role in long-term health, including the risk of cervical cancer. Factors such as food habits, environmental toxins, chronic stress, and obesity play a role in this trend. Since early puberty extends estrogen exposure and affects immune function, it can increase the risk of cervical cancer by making the cervix more vulnerable to persistent HPV infections. Increased childhood obesity has been linked to early puberty, as excess fat tissue produces estrogen. Girls with higher BMI tend to experience their first menstrual cycle earlier than those with a balanced weight.

  1. To reduce this risk, parents and caregivers can focus on preventive strategies: Encouraging a whole-food, anti-inflammatory food rich in fiber, omega-3s, and organic produce can help regulate hormone metabolism. 
  2. High-fat and high-sugar food items trigger insulin resistance, which in turn stimulates hormonal imbalances and early estrogen production. 
  3. Reducing processed foods, avoiding plastics, and choosing natural personal care products can limit exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that mimic estrogen. For example, bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and parabens have been linked to early puberty and increased cancer risk

 

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Cervical Cancer
Source: Dueñas-Moreno, J., Mora, A., Kumar, M., Meng, X.-Z., & Mahlknecht, J. (2023). Worldwide risk assessment of phthalates and bisphenol A in humans: The need for updating guidelines. Environment International, 181(108294), 108294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2023.108294

 

4. Physical activity, stress management, and healthy sleep habits also play a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance. 

5. Regular exercise helps prevent obesity-linked early puberty, while mindfulness practices like meditation and journaling can support emotional well-being. 

By adopting these lifestyle changes, parents can support their child’s long-term reproductive health and reduce the risk of hormone-driven conditions like cervical cancer.

 

The Vaginal Microbiome: A Natural Defense System

The vaginal microbiome is a delicate ecosystem of bacteria and microorganisms that play a crucial role in protecting against infections and maintaining pH balance. A healthy vagina is predominantly populated by Lactobacillus species, which produce lactic acid, maintaining an acidic pH (between 3.8 and 4.5) that inhibits harmful bacteria and viruses.

When the Lactobacillus balance is disrupted, harmful bacteria and viruses multiply, increasing the risk of chronic inflammation, persistent HPV infections, and potential cancerous changes.

 

Factors That Disrupt Vaginal Microbiome and Increase Cervical Cancer Risk

  1. Frequent Antibiotic Use: While antibiotics kill harmful bacteria, they also eliminate beneficial Lactobacilli, leading to an overgrowth of opportunistic infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast infections. Studies suggest that women with chronic BV have a higher risk of HPV persistence, making them more susceptible to cervical cancer.

 

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Cervical Cancer
Source: Gillet, E., Meys, J. F., Verstraelen, H., Bosire, C., De Sutter, P., Temmerman, M., & Broeck, D. V. (2011). Bacterial vaginosis is associated with uterine cervical human papillomavirus infection: a meta-analysis. BMC infectious diseases, 11, 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2334-11-10

 

2. Douching and Harsh Intimate Hygiene Products:  Douching and scented soaps disrupt the natural vaginal pH, stripping away protective bacteria. Regular douching increases the risk of HPV-related cervical dysplasia by altering the microbiome.

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Cervical Cancer
Source: Bui, T. C., Thai, T. N., Tran, L. T., Shete, S. S., Ramondetta, L. M., & Basen-Engquist, K. M. (2016). Association Between Vaginal Douching and Genital Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Women in the United States. The Journal of infectious diseases, 214(9), 1370–1375. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiw388

 

3. Unprotected Sex and Multiple Sexual Partners: Unprotected sex can introduce harmful bacteria and increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), which can weaken vaginal defenses. STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause chronic inflammation, making cervical cells more susceptible to HPV infections.

4. Poor Food Choices and Lifestyle Habits: Foods high in processed foods, sugar, and alcohol promote the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, leading to vaginal infections. Nutritional deficiencies, especially in probiotics, antioxidants, and folate, can weaken the body’s ability to fight infections and clear HPV naturally. 

5. Chronic Stress and Poor Sleep: Stress and sleep deprivation suppress immune function, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. A weakened immune system allows HPV to persist longer, increasing the risk of cervical cancer development.

 

Tips to Maintain a Healthy Vaginal Microbiome and Protect Cervical Health

  1. Choose Breathable Cotton Underwear: Synthetic fabrics can trap moisture, creating an environment where harmful bacteria thrive. Cotton allows the area to stay dry and breathable, reducing infection risk.
  2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals in Intimate Hygiene Products: Skip douching—your vagina is self-cleaning.
  3. Incorporate Probiotic-Rich Foods in Your Diet: Probiotics like Lactobacillus help maintain a balanced vaginal flora. The best sources are Yogurt, kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha.
  4. Eat a Nutrient-Dense, Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Increase intake of leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and seeds. Avoid excessive processed foods, sugar, and alcohol, which promote harmful bacterial growth.
  5. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps maintain vaginal and cervical tissue health.
  6. Practice Safe Sex and Get Regular STI Screenings: Use condoms to reduce exposure to HPV and other STIs. Get tested regularly for STIs, especially if you have multiple partners.
  7. Consider Alternative Contraception: If you have concerns about the risks associated with oral contraceptives, consider discussing alternatives with your healthcare provider, such as IUDs or implants.
  8. Schedule Routine Gynecological Checkups: Annual Pap smears and HPV screenings can detect abnormalities early, preventing cervical cancer. The WHO recommends Pap smears starting at age 21 and continuing every 3 years until age 65. For those with risk factors or a history of abnormal results, HPV screenings may be necessary.
  9. Monitor Symptoms: If you experience any unusual symptoms like abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain, seek medical advice promptly. Early detection is key.

 

Watch my video on Contraceptives, Early Puberty, Safe Sex & Cancer Prevention with Dr. Nozer Sheriar

 

The Ripple Effect: Inspiring Other Women to Prioritize Their Health

When you take charge of your own cervical health, you also inspire other women around you, your sisters, friends, daughters, and colleagues, to do the same. Conversations about regular screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices should be normalized and encouraged.

  1. Educate Young Girls Early: Talk to your daughters, nieces, and younger family members about safe reproductive health practices.
  2. Encourage Women to Get Screened: Remind your female relatives and friends to schedule their routine Pap smears and HPV tests.
  3. Break the Silence on Women’s Health: Many women hesitate to discuss intimate health issues. Creating an open, judgment-free space for such conversations can save lives.

 

Prevention is in Your Hands

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet it continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. The good news is that early detection, and lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk. Prevention starts with awareness and action, and by making informed choices today, you are safeguarding your future health.

 

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, medical knowledge is constantly evolving, and guidelines may change over time. Readers are encouraged to consult a qualified medical professional before making any decisions regarding screenings, contraceptive use, or lifestyle modifications. Individual health conditions and risks vary, and a personalized approach is always recommended.

The sources referenced in this blog, including WHO, NCBI, ACS, and NCI, are reputable and authoritative, but this blog does not claim to replace direct medical consultation. The responsibility for any decisions based on the information provided here rests solely with the reader. If you are experiencing any symptoms or have concerns about cervical health, please seek medical advice from a trusted healthcare professional.


 

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