How to detect and prevent cervical cancer

Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 October 2011 07:28 Written by Natural Health Team Wednesday, 26 October 2011 07:28

Health Information about How to detect and prevent cervical cancer

Thanks to widespread screening, the incidence of cervical cancer has decreased significantly.  Pre-cancer lesions can be detected and removed before they become malignant.  In 2010, approximately 12,200 patients are estimated to be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States.  An estimated 4,210 will die of this disease. 

Screening tests include either conventional Pap smear or liquid cytology, with or without HPV (human papilloma virus) DNA test.  The current recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for normal-risk women are as follows: 

1)  Pap smear to start at age 21

2)  < 30 years of age:  every 2 years

3)  > 30 years of age:  every 3 years

4)  Stop screening at age 65-70, after 3 normal tests during the last 10 years.

Screening is more frequent for high risk women.  High risk conditions include previous cervical cancer, exposure to DES (diethylstilbestrol) as a fetus, and immunocompromised conditions (by organ transplantation drug, chemotherapy, steroids, or HIV).  Please keep in mind that the screening recommendations above apply to “asymptomatic” patients.  If you think that you have new symptoms, such as abnormal bleeding, unusual heavy discharge, pelvic pain, pain during urination, etc, discuss with your doctor.

With the recent development of vaccines, cervical cancer is now also a potentially preventable disease.  The American Cancer Society recommends HPV vaccination for girls starting at age 11 up to 18.  It is not yet clear whether vaccination for the age range of 19-26 is beneficial or not.  The Gardasil vaccine prevents infection of four strains of HPV.  Strains 16 and 18 cause 70% of cervical cancer cases and strains 6 and 11 cause 90% of genital warts cases. The Cervarix vaccine protects against HPV strains 16 and 18.  Neither vaccine offers absolute prevention of all types of cervical cancer-causing HPV.  Therefore, vaccinated women should still see their health care provider for routine cervical cancer screening.  It should be noted that recently the FDA also approved the use of HPV vaccination for boys and men ages 9-26 for the prevention of genital warts. 

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Cervical Cancer Chemotherapy

Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 October 2011 03:28 Written by Natural Health Team Wednesday, 26 October 2011 03:28

Health Information about Cervical Cancer Chemotherapy

can be done with chemotherapy and of course the selection of this therapy based on cancer stage. Chemotherapy is generally not used as monotherapy and combined with other types of therapies such as surgery and radiation therapy.

What is Chemotherapy?

is a treatment method that aims to kill cancer cells. These drugs target cancer cells by damaging and inhibit cell growth factors. On some types of chemotherapy drugs that conventional chemo drug effects not only result in only cancer cells but also on healthy cells. So that the side effects often occur after administration of chemotherapy, for example, is hair loss, nausea and vomiting.

Chemotherapy drugs are usually given through an intravenous (IV) or orally. Actually there is another route that can be used but for the gift of is more common with intravenous or oral.

Some types of chemotherapy are usually used in the treatment of cervical cancer are:
Carboplatin
Cisplatin
Paclitaxel
Fluorouracil (5FU)
Cyclophosphamide
Docetaxel
Ifosfamide
Gemcitabine
Side effects are common in chemotherapy

Side effects of chemotherapy can vary, depending on the type of drug administered. There are drugs that specifically cause nausea, vomiting, there is cause baldness, there is cause a decrease in white blood cells. But in general chemotherapy drugs will cause nausea, hair loss and fatigue. Currently developing drugs that function to overcome the side effects that arise after the chemotherapy so that patients will feel more comfortable post-chemotherapy.

How many times do chemotherapy?

The frequency of chemotherapy depend on various factors. The doctor will make the appropriate treatment plan based on cancer type, stage, health factors, type of chemotherapy drugs are given and other treatment methods are used.

In cervical cancer, chemotherapy drug delivery is generally administered every week or every three weeks. If the delivery method every 3 weeks it will be given as many as 6 cycles. In some cases, chemotherapy can not be done fully as much as 6 cycles, so doctors sometimes have to choose other treatment alternatives.

Things that should be known before chemotherapy

is an intensive treatment that patients should know a few things before chemotherapy:

What chemotherapy drugs will be given
Why is this drug was chosen
How long will last and how much chemotherapy cycles
What side effects will emerge
What side effects that require medical attention
What is the success rate of treatment with this chemotherapy with another woman in the same case
Whether chemotherapy will have an impact on daily activities
Is there a drug that will be given to overcome the side effects of chemotherapy

Dr. Walden is a premier Manhattan Plastic Surgeon, and is often asked to comment, as a medical expert, on CBS, ABC, Fox News, and other media outlets. Dr. Walden has covered issues including current cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation, prevention of breast cancer, and many other topics. Watch as Dr. Walden gives some good information on Breast Cancer Awareness and the importance of regular screenings. This video is part of an Informational Podcast Episode and Blog Post on Business Bits With Jim Farrell.

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Cervical Cancer Treatment Cost

Last Updated on Monday, 24 October 2011 11:27 Written by Natural Health Team Monday, 24 October 2011 11:27

Health Information about Cervical Cancer Treatment Cost

Anatomically speaking, the cervix is part of the lower uterus which is often regarded as the “neck of the uterus”. Cervical Cancer Treatment CostWomen who are more than the age of thirty are of high risk to develop cancer of the cervix.

In general, there are two main types of cancer of the cervix. These are ectocervix squamous cell cervical cancer and endocervix adenocarcinoma of the cervix.

The ectocervix is the part of the cervix that projects in the vagina. It is also termed as portio vaginalis. On the outer portion of the ectocervix are flat cells that can become cancerous which could lead to squamous cell cancer of the cervix.

The endocervix is the inside portion of the cervix. The endocervix have glandular cells that produce mucus. When these glandular cells become cancerous, it can lead to adenocarcinoma of the cervix.

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The early stages of cervical cancer do not produce any signs and symptoms, thus, it remains undiagnosed in most cases. This is the reason why it is important to have regular check-ups in order to determine if there are any underlying medical conditions. In the later stages, cancer of the cervix can manifest symptoms such as bleeding between periods, pelvic pain, vaginal discharge tinged with blood, discomforts during intercourse, and smelly vaginal discharge.

There are different risk factors which can cause cancer of the cervix. Some of the risk factors include the human papilloma virus, smoking, multiple sex partners, weak immune system, genetic factors, multiple pregnancies, use of contraceptive pills, sexually transmitted diseases, and socio-economic status.

Through pap smear, cervical cancer can be diagnosed. Aside from that, there are also other laboratory tests which can be done to confirm the diagnosis of cervical cancer. Blood tests, biopsy, CT scan, MRI, and pelvic ultrasound are some of the tests that can help in diagnosing cancer of the cervix.

Cancer of the cervix has four stages with stage four being the late stage. There are also numerous treatment options for cervical cancer which includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

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The Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

Last Updated on Sunday, 23 October 2011 09:27 Written by Natural Health Team Sunday, 23 October 2011 09:27

Health Information about The Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

is another form of uterine cancer. It begins in the cells on the surface of the cervix, either on the lower part, or in the upper part of the cervix. It is a slow-growing and malignant cancer. (Malignant simply means that it spreads). The cervix is the connecter that connects the uterus to the birth canal, and is actually a part of the uterus.

Cervical cancer is usually the result of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread through sexual contact. The virus can survive in the body for many years before it causes cancer, and in some cases the cancer never develops.

A new vaccine is available to stop the virus, and medical professionals are encouraging young girls and women to get the vaccine. The claim is that by the year 2022 cervical cancers will be reduced due to the vaccine. But the vaccine is still to new to know about all the possible long-term side-effects it will cause. The best way to be on guard against this cancer is to build up the immune system and eliminate as many risk factors as possible.

Those at highest risk for developing this cancer are young girls who became sexually active before the age of 18, and those who have, or have had numerous partners. Those who smoke, use birth control pills, condoms and tampons are also at a higher risk.

The symptoms of cervical cancer may not appear until the later stages of the cancer, but pre-cancerous cells can be detected with a pap test.

The following symptoms may occur in the more advanced stages of cervical cancer.

Bleeding in between periods, or after menopause. This can be heavy or light bleeding.

Pelvic pains, which can be dull or sharp pains, and can last for hours.

A vaginal discharge may also occur, and may be foul smelling, thick, and may contain mucus or blood.

Leaking of urine or feces from vagina.

Bleeding after intercourse.

Pain during intercourse.

Pain or heavy bleeding while menstruating.

Pain during urinating can occur if cancer has spread to the bladder.

Loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss.

Other symptoms may include fatigue, back pain, leg pain, a single swollen leg, and easy fracturing of the bones.

Treatments are available; one can choose either conventional treatments which consist of chemo, radiation and surgery, or, one can choose to be healed naturally using Chinese medicines, or herbs. However, prevention is always better than cure.

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What is Cervical Cancer

Last Updated on Sunday, 23 October 2011 07:27 Written by Natural Health Team Sunday, 23 October 2011 07:27

Health Information about What is Cervical Cancer

Even today, the experts as well as medical officers are yet to know the main cause of cervical cancer. It is a preventable disease although it has killed many women throughout the world. But, if at all the main cause of this disease is yet to be known, sexual habits are believed to be the major ones to be blamed. The virus that causes this disease is known as Human Papilloma. In the body, there are three main parts that are infected by this virus. They are the area that surrounds the anus, genital track and external genitals.

The Human Papilloma virus is very much different from Human Immunodeficiency that ends up causing deadly disease known as AIDS. Various types of HPV are usually transmitted through sexual intercourse. As a result, a woman develops cervical cancer.

In order to know whether you have HPV, you are supposed to visit a medical officer who will carry out a test. This test is known as Hybrid Capture Test. It was introduced in 1999. This test has the ability to get about 14 different types of HPV that cause the cervical cancer. After the test, the medical officer is able to know whether you have the HPV or not.

A woman can be in danger of developing the Human Papilloma virus in the cervix if she involves herself in the various sexual habits. They include having sexual intercourse below 18 years of age, having sex with a person who had already had it with an affected woman and having many sexual partners. In addition to sexual habits, there are other factors that do cause cervical cancer. They include:

Poverty

Poverty plays a major role when it comes to cervical cancer. This has been caused by the fact that, many women especially those who are living below poverty level have minimal or no access to qualified physicians. In addition, the diet that is not balanced usually causes the disease. As a result, the HPV spread in many parts making the disease become hard to treat.

Ignoring Pap tests

Testing is the only way that the cervical cancer can be detected. Incase, you ignore going for Pap tests periodically, you are in danger of having cervical cancer. Statistics show that a good percentage of women who are treated for cervical cancer were not going for the tests.

Bravehearts is a non-profit organization initially led by the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP) for the Cancer Institute Foundation (CIF), Bravehearts is dedicated to raising awareness on cervical cancer prevention. Bravehearts is currently supported by a growing number of women, including prominent personalities such as Abbygale Arenas-‐de Leon, who is the current president of the organization, Senator Loren Legarda, Pia Magalona, Ellen Tordesillas, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Jeena Lopez, Maimai Davao, Joyette Jopson and Suzi Entrata. The organization has held successful seminars and projects with the help of its partner organizations and companies. One of its more prominent events is the biking event, The Tour of Hope (TTOH). The tour was introduced in the Philippines in 2008 through the collaboration of GlaxoSmithKline Philippines and the UP Cancer Institute Foundation’s Cervical Cancer Prevention (CECAP) network program in strategic partnership with Team David’s Salon, the first all woman sports team in the country. Since then, the Tour of Hope has become the largest anti-cervical cancer biking tour in the Philippines and has attracted varied supporters thru the years — both from public and private sectors. TTOH has become Bravehearts’ annual fund raising event and an opportunity to conduct lectures for cervical cancer prevention programs in the different municipalities/cities the tour passes. Just last year, TTOH was able to raise Php750, 000, and the fund was …

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