Have you ever wondered how you can prevent cervical cancer?

There are vaccines that have been developed to protect against acquisition of Human Papilloma Virus infection and development of subsequent HPV-associated disease. The vaccine is given to young women in the ages of 11 – 12 years, but catch up vaccines are available for adolescents and older ages. This is due to data which supports that it’s better to administer the vaccines before one becomes sexually active. Although Ethiopia has made strides to vaccinate young girls for HPV, the vaccine is also available at select hospitals in the capital city for those who wish to gain access to it.

Having regular cancer screenings can also lower your chance of developing cancer, since it will increase the chance of catching the lesion before it progresses to a more invasive and severe form. You should also get a Pap smear every three years if you’re between 21 and 29 years old. And every five years If you’re between 30 and 64-years-old, combined with a test for HPV itself.