Prevention Strategies for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a worldwide health issue affecting thousands of women. However, it is treatable and can be preventable. Cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, human papillomavirus(HPV). Other factors such as smoking, early sexual activity, immunosuppression e.t.c can also influence the risk of getting cervical cancer.

In this article, we will explore the prevention strategies for cervical cancer, the integrative and supportive strategies, social impact, and long-term care of cervical cancer patients.

The Prevention Strategies For Cervical Cancer : 

1. Vaccination

Vaccinating against human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most effective ways to deal with cervical cancer. Vaccination is usually recommended before the beginning of early sexual activity.

Source: nqphn

2. Screening

Regular screening is also one effective way to deal with cervical cancer. Screening should be done at regular intervals. It helps to detect precancerous cells or early-stage cancer in time. 

3. Sexual practices

Practising safe and healthy sex can help prevent the rate of cervical cancer. Educating individuals and creating awareness around sexual practices will help to also prevent the rate of cervical cancer.

4. Smoking cessation

Smoking can also lead to cervical cancer. It makes the immune system weak making it less effective to be able to fight against cancerous cells. It also reduces the effectiveness of treatment. So, it is advisable to quit smoking as it can reduce the continuation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and improve the immune system.

Source: American Heart Association 

5. Access to healthcare

Access to medical healthcare plays an important role in preventing cervical cancer. It includes access to vaccination, screening, follow-up care, treatment of precancerous cells etc.

6. Treatment of precancerous lesions

These cells are detected through screening. It aims to remove abnormal cells before they progress and spread. Some of the methods used in treating these cells include cryotherapy which involves freezing abnormal tissues, Laser therapy, Cold knife cone biopsy, excision procedures, etc.

7. Creating awareness

Creating awareness is one of the measures taken into place to help prevent cervical cancer. Educational campaigns can be hosted in schools, workplaces, etc., to create awareness of cervical cancer. 

INTEGRATIVE AND SUPPORTIVE THERAPIES FOR CERVICAL CANCER

Integrative and supportive therapies for cancer patients play a very important role. These therapies include:

1. Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is an integrative and supportive therapy as it helps to relieve cancer patients’ pain, enhance good sleep, enhance relaxation, and improve the well-being of the patient.

2. Mind Therapy

Cancer patients should be encouraged to engage in mind activities. This includes activities such as meditation. It helps patients to stay focused. It helps to deal with anxiety and depression. 

Source: McCombs

3. Nutritional support

Nutrition is one of the basic needs of cancer patients. Patients are being given a personalized meal plan to help improve their health. These meal plans are being given to meet individuals’ needs.

4. Acupuncture

This is a complementary medicine. It involves inserting needles at specific points on the body. It is used in the treatment of physical and mental conditions, it helps alleviate pain, stress, fatigue, etc.

5. Exercise

The role of exercise can’t be neglected. It improves strength, enhances flexibility, and enhances relaxation. It is a supportive therapy for cervical cancer patients.

6. Complement Therapy

Complementary therapy such as aromatherapy, massage therapy, herbal medicine, etc helps to relieve stress and enhance relaxation. It helps to improve the overall well-being of an individual.

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF CERVICAL CANCER

Cervical cancer can have a psychological and social impact on the well-being of patients. Below are some of such impacts;

1. Self-esteem

 One’s self-esteem could be low as a result of being diagnosed with cervical cancer. Changes to the body as a result of treatment can also lower one’s self-esteem.

2. Emotional distress

Being diagnosed with cervical cancer comes with a certain fear, shock, sadness, and even depression, as it can be life-changing. Patients will worry about the impact the disease is causing them and their family and friends are also likely to feel the impact as it can cause burnout and financial burdens.

3. Intimacy / Relationships

Intimacy comes with vulnerability and it is an important aspect of human life. Having been diagnosed with cervical cancer can affect the intimacy and sexual life of a patient. They become insecure and fear being rejected.

4. Isolation

Patients may feel insecure and as such, distance themselves from loved ones, friends, and even family. They stop involving themselves in social activities.

5. Financial status

Having to deal with the burden of the cost of treatment, transportation, etc. can take a toll on individuals or families as it will add to existing stress.

It is necessary to address these psychological and social impacts of cervical cancer with patients and their guardians or families to keep them aware.

SURVIVORSHIP AND LONG-TERM CARE OF CERVICAL CANCER

Survivorship and long-term care are crucial aspects that go beyond the treatment of cervical cancer. Below are some of the reasons why survivorship and long-term care are needed;

1. Emotional support

Survivors are likely to go through emotional challenges. So, having support groups, community units, and counselling sessions can help survivors cope with the stress of having gone through cervical cancer.

2. Checkup

Survivors should go for regular checkups to get some examinations and testing done in case of any sign of recurrence. The importance of these regular check-ups should be emphasized to survivors.

3. Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle should be recommended for survivors to adopt, to improve the overall health of the individual and reduce the risk of a recurrence. A healthy lifestyle includes quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, engaging in exercise, etc.

4. Advocacy

Survivors should be encouraged to become advocates for their health issues. It helps keep the public informed. Resources and materials should also be made available for survivors. 

In conclusion

The prevention strategies for cervical cancer patients when put into place can help reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Low self-esteem, isolation, depression, etc which may occur as a result of dealing with cervical cancer should be addressed and patients should be shown love and support.