Cervical cancer is highly prevalent, affecting many women. In fact, it is related to these habits; the earlier you change them, the sooner you benefit.

Cervical cancer is a common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system. Its onset is not without warning signs, nor does it occur suddenly.

Medical research indicates that the occurrence of cervical cancer is closely related to persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus, and certain unhealthy habits in daily life can significantly increase the risk of contracting this virus and developing cervical lesions.

Many women unknowingly create conditions for the development of cervical cancer by maintaining these habits over the long term.

Understanding these habits and correcting them in a timely manner is crucial for preventing cervical cancer.

The first habit to change is neglecting genital hygiene during sexual activity.

Sexual hygiene is a key aspect in preventing cervical lesions, yet many women do not pay sufficient attention to it.

If personal hygiene of the external genitalia is neglected before and after sexual intercourse, it can make it easier for bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens to enter the vagina and cervix, increasing the risk of cervical infection.

Especially when a sexual partner has a genital system infection, lack of hygiene can directly lead to cross-infection.

Additionally, during menstruation, some women experience a decline in bodily resistance. Engaging in sexual intercourse at this time, when the cervical opening is relatively open, makes them more susceptible to pathogen invasion, which can trigger cervical inflammation. Long-term and repeated inflammatory stimulation increases the likelihood of cervical lesions.

Therefore, maintaining cleanliness before and after sexual intercourse and avoiding intercourse during menstruation are fundamental measures for protecting cervical health.

The second habit that must be corrected is having multiple sexual partners or initiating sexual activity too early.

Women who begin sexual activity too early may have cervical tissues that are not fully developed and have weaker resistance, making them more susceptible to invasion and infection by high-risk human papillomavirus.

Having multiple sexual partners increases the chances of coming into contact with a partner carrying the high-risk virus, thereby raising the risk of infection.

Studies show that the greater the number of sexual partners, the higher the probability of infection with high-risk human papillomavirus, and the greater the likelihood of persistent infection, which in turn significantly increases the risk of developing cervical cancer.

For cervical health, one should establish healthy sexual attitudes, avoid early sexual activity, and maintain a stable sexual partner.

The third habit that needs to be changed is neglecting the treatment of cervical diseases and delaying treatment.

Many women, upon discovering cervical conditions such as cervicitis or cervical erosion during check-ups, tend to overlook them due to the absence of obvious discomfort symptoms, failing to seek timely treatment and allowing the condition to progress.

Actually, these chronic cervical conditions can damage the cervical mucosa, reduce cervical resistance, and create favorable conditions for infection and persistent presence of high-risk human papillomavirus.

If cervical inflammation is not effectively treated over a long period, it can repeatedly stimulate cervical tissue, potentially leading to abnormal hyperplasia of cervical epithelial cells, gradually progressing to precancerous lesions. Without intervention, it may further develop into cervical cancer.

Therefore, once cervical diseases are detected, they should be promptly treated and regularly followed up as advised by a doctor, regardless of whether symptoms are present.

The fourth habit that needs to be changed as soon as possible is not undergoing cervical cancer screening on schedule.

Regular screening is an important means for the early detection of cervical lesions and cervical cancer. However, many women do not adhere to scheduled screenings, and some have never been screened at all.

Some women believe that because they are young and have no physical discomfort, they are not at risk for cervical cancer, leading them to neglect screening.

Some women also avoid screening due to fear.

After infection with high-risk human papillomavirus, it may remain latent in the cervix for many years before causing lesions. During this process, abnormalities can be detected in a timely manner through screening methods such as cervical cytology and human papillomavirus testing.

Early detection of cervical lesions and prompt intervention can achieve a cure rate of over 90%.

If screening is not done regularly, by the time obvious symptoms appear, the condition often has already progressed to an intermediate or advanced stage. This significantly increases the difficulty of treatment and worsens the prognosis.

Besides quitting these bad habits, preventing cervical cancer also requires actively taking protective measures.

Getting vaccinated against high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is an effective way to prevent cervical cancer. It significantly lowers the risk of infection from high-risk viruses, and women who are eligible should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

At the same time, maintaining a regular routine, balanced diet, and moderate exercise can improve your overall resistance, enhance your body’s ability to clear the virus, and reduce the possibility of persistent infection.

The key to preventing cervical cancer lies in "early detection and early intervention," and eliminating these bad habits is a fundamental and crucial step.

Women should pay attention to cervical health, abandon bad habits, actively undergo screenings and get vaccinated to build a solid defense for their own health.