🌍 Why Cervical Cancer Is a Silent Threat

Cervical cancer is the second most common gynecological cancer in women worldwide, right after breast cancer. Its danger lies in the subtle symptoms in early stages, which are often overlooked until the disease progresses.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 600,000 women are diagnosed worldwide each year, with over 300,000 deaths attributed to cervical cancer. In Vietnam, it’s estimated that 14 new cases are diagnosed daily, with 7 fatalities.

The primary cause? Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Studies show that up to 99% of cervical cancer patients are HPV-positive. Women aged 20–30 have the highest infection rates, reaching 20–25%.

While vaccination, regular gynecological exams, and proper hygiene are key preventive steps, certain lifestyle factors increase your risk significantly.

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⚠️ High-Risk Factors You Should Know

1️⃣ Unprotected or Early Sexual Activity

HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact—including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Women who:

• Begin sexual activity before age 20

• Have multiple sexual partners

• Have partners with high HPV risk

…are at significantly higher risk.

Early sexual activity is especially dangerous because the cervical mucosa is not fully matured and more vulnerable to infections. Research shows women who start before 20 have a 2.5x higher risk of developing cervical cancer compared to those who start later.

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2️⃣ Multiple Pregnancies or Frequent Childbirth

Frequent pregnancies, especially via vaginal delivery, can weaken the cervix and make it more susceptible to HPV and other infections. Hormonal changes and temporary immune suppression during pregnancy further increase vulnerability.

Studies indicate:

• Women who have given birth 2 times or more have a 1.9x higher risk.

• Women with 3 or more vaginal births have double the risk compared to women with 1–2 births.

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3️⃣ Other Factors

• Smoking: Weakens the immune system and increases cervical cell damage.

• Immunodeficiency: Women with weakened immunity (e.g., HIV-positive) are at higher risk.

• Poor cervical screening: Not getting regular Pap smears or HPV tests reduces early detection chances.
  
  

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✅ Prevention and Early Detection

Even if you belong to a higher-risk group, cervical cancer can be prevented or detected early with simple steps:

• HPV vaccination: Highly effective in preventing infections that cause most cervical cancers.

• Regular gynecological checkups: Pap smear, HPV test, and colposcopy if needed.

• Safe sexual practices: Condoms, limiting partners, and vaccination of partners.

• Healthy lifestyle: Avoid smoking, maintain immunity, and stay informed.

Early detection saves lives: Cervical cancer caught in stage 1 has a 5-year survival rate above 90%.