Cervical cancer is a serious condition that grows and spreads gradually and rarely shows any symptoms in the early stages. One of the most common causes of this condition is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and some of the other factors that can contribute to cervical cancer in women are a weakened immunity, poor nutrition, and smoking. If one is looking to make some lifestyle changes to prevent cervical cancer, here’s how to start:

• Follow a healthy diet: A healthy and balanced diet can prevent cervical cancer and promote overall wellbeing. So, women must ensure that they include plenty of fruits and vegetables in their daily diet to increase their nutrient intake. A diet high in antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids, folate, and other nutrients can inhibit the proliferation of harmful cells in the body. A nutritious diet will also help the body fight HPV infections and prevent the cervical cells from turning into cancerous lesions. A healthy body can also clear an HPV infection faster and reduce the risk of cancer.
• Quit smoking: This is one of the most important lifestyle changes to incorporate to prevent cervical cancer. Smoking cigarettes elevates the risk of developing cervical cancer. Studies have shown that tobacco damages the DNA of the cells in the cervix, leading to cancer, so women should quit or avoid smoking.
• Stay active: Staying active and working out four to five times a week is a simple and effective way to prevent numerous health issues, including cervical cancer. Limited or no physical activity increases the chances of developing the condition, and a few minutes of exercise every week reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer significantly in women. So, staying active and exercising regularly are important lifestyle changes to prevent cervical cancer.
• Maintain a healthy body weight: Experts believe that women who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. So, it is important to choose lighter and healthier foods and limit the intake of sugar, fatty meats, high-calorie, and processed foods. Cutting down on alcohol also helps keep body weight in check.
• Practice safe sex: Another important thing to keep in mind to alleviate the risk of cervical cancer is the use of contraceptives. HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, so it’s essential to take the necessary precautions and also limit the number of sexual partners.
• Strengthen the immune system: A weak immune system can also increase the chances of getting cervical cancer, so it’s advisable to add more fruits, vegetables, and other immune-boosting foods to one’s daily diet to fight HPV infections.

These are some simple yet effective lifestyle changes women should make to alleviate the risk of cervical cancer. Apart from these, getting an HPV vaccine and going for regular checkups and screenings is necessary.