Cervical cancer involves changes within the cells of the cervix that can spread to other parts of the body. Although many women fear this type of cancer, it is one of the most preventable types and has a high cure rate when it is caught early. In the past, cervical cancer was one of the leading causes of death for women, but discoveries in the health care field such as Pap tests and vaccinations have now made it a treatable health condition.Currently, it is known that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) plays a role in generating cellular changes in the cervix that lead to cancer, and women can lower their risk of developing cervical cancer by limiting behaviors that expose them to the virus. Healthy lifestyle practices, such as abstaining from smoking, help to keep women’s immune systems strong enough to successfully fight off HPV. New vaccinations are also available that protect women against the main types of HPV that are associated with cancer.
