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    How to Prevent Cervical Cancer with These Healthy Habits

    Doctor with Patient

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year, and nearly 4,000 women die of this cancer annually. The CDC also notes that as many as 93 percent of cervical cancer cases could be prevented.

    Integrative medicine specialist Dr. Dana Cohen has studied this topic in depth. A holistic MD, Dr. Cohen completed her medical training at St. George’s University (SGU) in 1995 and is now committed to helping patients incorporate holistic wellness practices into their daily routines to help reduce their risk level for this deadly disease.

    Keep reading to learn her advice on how to prevent cervical cancer through healthy lifestyle changes.

    Cervical cancer causes and risk factors

    Before we cover the important preventative measures women can take to decrease their risk of cervical cancer, it’s helpful to learn about the causes and risk factors that contribute to the disease.

    The prominent cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). CDC data indicates that more than 42 million Americans are now impacted by this common sexually transmitted infection. While pervasive, most HPV infections clear up naturally without causing significant harm.

    HPV Under Microscope

    In some cases, however, the virus persists and can lead to changes in the host’s cervical cells. Cervical cancer begins when healthy cells in the cervix develop changes in their DNA, eventually forming a mass of cancerous cells called a tumor. These malignant cells can invade and destroy healthy body tissue. In time, they can even break away and spread to other parts of the body.

    Even though HPV remains the primary cause of cervical cancer, there are other elements that can impact an individual’s susceptibility. Consider the following cervical cancer risk factors that reach beyond a high-risk HPV infection:

    When a patient receives a cervical cancer diagnosis, treatment options often begin with surgical intervention to remove the malignant cells. Other treatments may include medicines used to kill the cancer cells, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

    Cervical cancer prevention tips

    The most prominent preventative measures against cervical cancer include getting vaccinated for HPV and adopting safe sexual practices to limit the risk of transmission. As the list of risk factors indicates, it can also help to quit smoking and have regular healthcare visits.

    Additionally, Dr. Cohen notes that taking a proactive approach with integrative lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on cervical health outcomes. Consider these three holistic methods she teaches her patients so that they can support their immune systems to fight HPV and reduce their cervical cancer risk:

    Eating Healthy Foods

    1. Nourish your immune system with functional nutrition

    Dr. Cohen shares that a healthy immune system is the body’s best defense against high-risk infection. These three nutrients can help support immune health:

    2. Stay hydrated

    Water’s role in supporting the immune system cannot be overstated, according to Dr. Cohen. Proper hydration helps maintain blood volume and circulation, which ensures that immune cells are able to travel efficiently through the body. White blood cells require a balanced internal environment to function optimally.

    Remaining well-hydrated can also help reduce the burden placed on an individual’s immune system by working to remove toxins and waste products from the body. This enhances your immune response with more strength to focus on defending against infections.

    Get Regular Exercise

    3. Reduce Stress

    Stress reduction can also have a significant impact in supporting immune function. Chronic stress has been found to weaken the immune system, making the body less effective in warding off infection.

    Dr. Cohen regularly suggests a handful of holistic methods to help her patients reduce their stress levels:

    Learn to take charge of your health

    Now that you know more about cervical cancer causes, risk factors, and prevention, it’s clear there are measures individuals can take to mitigate their susceptibility of developing this deadly disease.

    As Dr. Cohen shares, incorporating proper nutrition, hydration, and stress reduction methods into your daily routine can strengthen your immune system and help reduce your risk of cervical cancer — particularly when combined with proper vaccination and safer sexual practices.

    Practitioners like Dr. Cohen maintain that preventative medicine is key to helping individuals and communities stay a step ahead with their health and wellness. You can learn more in our article “What Is Preventative Medicine? A Look at What These Proactive Providers Do.

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