Cervical cancer accounts for 40% of cancer deaths amongst Indian women. It is the third top killer of Indian rural women in the 15-44 age groups (Suicide occupies the topmost position, followed by tuberculosis, causing the deaths in the above age group women). Pap smear, a routine medical test, used as diagnostic test to detect cervical cancer, was beyond the reach of illiterate women in the villages. New method of testing for Cervical Cancer is as given below: Cervical cancer can be screened by a mere visual examination, preceded by a swab with fresh acetic acid. By this procedure the disease can be detected at an early stage, and treatment can be initiated at a very early stage of the disease and the cure rate is much more, when compared to the previous testing procedures. Already about 1600 health workers 160 doctors were trained. It is found that the women were interested and 94% even agreed to cooperate when contacted at home. Dr.Elizabeth Vallikad hopes that “they are trying to light the fire from the bottom, and interacting with women and the other functionaries in the village administration.” The voluntary organizations are also being roped in to create awareness among village women to demand visual examination as a matter of right, as the issue cannot be left to the choice of health functionaries. Source: Sreelatha Menon. … [Read more...]
Ovarian Cancer: Causes and treatment
There are two ovaries present on either side of the uterus in a female. Functions of Ovaries: 1. Helping the ova to develop into maturity and releasing them at the time of ovulation. 2. Producing the female hormones viz; 1.estrogen and 2.progesterone. Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer: 1. Hereditary. In a family either mother or sister are having the history of ovarian cancer, the remaining female members may have the chances of getting this cancer is high. Hereditary risk is around 5%. But the troubles are more among the females who are less than 40 years age. Other factors: 1. Ovarian cysts: They do not produce cancer alone and many of them are harmless. But sometimes some other problems associated with them may produce cancer. This type of Cancer – risk is more as the age advances. 2. Oral contraceptive pills: They help in decreasing the risk of cancer occurring in the ovaries. 3.Chances of occurring cancer is less in women who are having children , compare to others who are without any issues. 4. Lactating mothers have less chances of getting this cancer compared to those who are not providing breast- feeding to their children. 5. Food habits: Women who are taking fresh vegetables and fruits 5 times daily are less prone to this cancer. Cereals and beans are more helpful in reducing the chances cancer occurring. 6. Tubectomy: Operation meant for permanent method of contraception, which reduces the risk of occurring cancer by 67%. Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: 1. History of distention of abdomen and feeling of more gas production. 2. The feeling of flu fever. 3. Bleeding from the pelvic organs sometimes occur. 4. Hirsutism (more hair growth) occasionally occur. 5. Pain in the pelvic region and discomfort often present and loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation also are there. 6. More urination and decrease in body weight is also present. 7. Pain in females during intercourse is also present. Ovarian Cancer-Treatment: 1. If the patient is having some knowledge and understanding about this disease, she will consult the gynecologist in the stage, whenever she gets the doubt and management of the case is very easy in the early stage itself. 2. Regular check-ups by the gynecologist is more helpful to diagnose the disease at the beginning itself and the treatment is very easy. 3. If there is a history of breast and ovarian cancers in a family, and other females in the family need hysterectomy operation (for some other reasons), it is better to remove the two ovaries along with the uterus, as a preventive measure to avoid the occurrence of ovarian cancer in future. 4. Annual scanning and blood tests are more helpful to those who crossed the age of 40 years. … [Read more...]
