Cervical cancer
Just when you think about being too young for cancers, think again. According to Singapore ICO Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (2015), women ages 15 years and older are already at risk of developing cervical cancer. Such cancer has been ranked as the top 6th diagnosed cancer in Singaporean women and 8th in mortality rate. Cervical cancer, like any other cancers is caused by cells that continue to grow and form abnormal cells instead of dying (American Cancer Society, 2015). It starts in the cell lining of the cervix (the womb) and begin in the transformation zone. Cervical cancer cells start with pre-cancerous changes but not all women develop cancer. Luckily, tests like Pap test and vaccinations can help prevent cervical cancer. So many among us ask the question, where do we get such cancer and how can we prevent them?
What causes cervical cancer?
Although cancers are usually inherited damaged DNA, most often than not these damaged DNA are caused by our lifestyle. Cervical cancer is developed by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This virus can be spread from one person to another through direct skin contact, sexual intercourse, and the likes. HPV, when caused by a higher type of risk, can eventually become cancers. Most simple life actions can be a cause to cervical cancer as well. Here are as follow: 1) Smoking – we all know that smoking is bad or our lungs. The chemical in it and the way we affect the people that surrounds us with second-hand smoking. These harmful chemicals are transferred to our lungs and carried through our bloodstream. These harmful chemicals damage the DNA of the cervix cells and will ultimately lead to cervical cancer. 2) Sexual contact – Chlamydia infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease and has no apparent symptom (WebMD n.d.). It is only examined through a pelvic exam. Furthermore, this infection can affect primarily women but can be found in men as well. When women have multiple sex partners and do not practice safe sex, they usually are more prone to catching this infection. Better be safe than sorry. 3) Drugs – Contraceptives/hormonal drugs can cause irregularities in the cells that may trigger abnormal growth and lead to cancer. An example is the Diethylstilbestrol (DES), which is usually given to women to prevent miscarriage. This drug increase the risk of developing pre-cancer cells linked to HPV. Long-term use of contraceptives/birth control pills may cause cervical cancer as well. Patients should always discuss the benefits of taking contraceptives as well as his/her disposition. 4) Family History.
Is there anything we can do to prevent/cure cervical cancer?
Many thanks to global innovations and technology, this cancer can be prevented/cured.
1) Pap Smear test – Visit your doctor to find pre-existing cancer cells before they can spread. This procedure is non-invasive and a test is used to collect cells from the cervix and examined under a microscope. Further, an HPV test can also be done at the same time.
2) Cervical Cancer vaccinations – vaccines against HPV infections can be prevented 95% of the time. Like most vaccines, it works best if administered by a professional and prior to the exposure of HPV. Such vaccines require 3-doses injected over a period of 6 months.
3) Healthier living.
Where can you find more information about cervical cancers and the likes?
Call +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics!
What causes cervical cancer?
Although cancers are usually inherited damaged DNA, most often than not these damaged DNA are caused by our lifestyle. Cervical cancer is developed by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This virus can be spread from one person to another through direct skin contact, sexual intercourse, and the likes. HPV, when caused by a higher type of risk, can eventually become cancers. Most simple life actions can be a cause to cervical cancer as well. Here are as follow: 1) Smoking – we all know that smoking is bad or our lungs. The chemical in it and the way we affect the people that surrounds us with second-hand smoking. These harmful chemicals are transferred to our lungs and carried through our bloodstream. These harmful chemicals damage the DNA of the cervix cells and will ultimately lead to cervical cancer. 2) Sexual contact – Chlamydia infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease and has no apparent symptom (WebMD n.d.). It is only examined through a pelvic exam. Furthermore, this infection can affect primarily women but can be found in men as well. When women have multiple sex partners and do not practice safe sex, they usually are more prone to catching this infection. Better be safe than sorry. 3) Drugs – Contraceptives/hormonal drugs can cause irregularities in the cells that may trigger abnormal growth and lead to cancer. An example is the Diethylstilbestrol (DES), which is usually given to women to prevent miscarriage. This drug increase the risk of developing pre-cancer cells linked to HPV. Long-term use of contraceptives/birth control pills may cause cervical cancer as well. Patients should always discuss the benefits of taking contraceptives as well as his/her disposition. 4) Family History.
Is there anything we can do to prevent/cure cervical cancer?
Many thanks to global innovations and technology, this cancer can be prevented/cured.
1) Pap Smear test – Visit your doctor to find pre-existing cancer cells before they can spread. This procedure is non-invasive and a test is used to collect cells from the cervix and examined under a microscope. Further, an HPV test can also be done at the same time.
2) Cervical Cancer vaccinations – vaccines against HPV infections can be prevented 95% of the time. Like most vaccines, it works best if administered by a professional and prior to the exposure of HPV. Such vaccines require 3-doses injected over a period of 6 months.
3) Healthier living.
Where can you find more information about cervical cancers and the likes?
Call +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics!
Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
Most people are always bothered with menstrual cramps or otherwise, scientifically called dysmenorrhea. Why most people? It’s because women experience the excruciating pain every menstrual cycle and men such as husbands, fathers, and boyfriends are affected by the change in the mood of their loved one. An estimated 30-50 percent of women experience menstrual cramps during their childbearing age (University Health Service, University of Rochester, n.d.). Menstrual cramps are discomfort/pain in the lower abdomen of women during their period. The number one cause of this pain is due to a chemical, prostaglandins, produced by our body that causes the uterus to contract and allow menstrual fluid/blood to pass through. This means that the higher the production of prostaglandins, the more painful it is.
How are menstrual cramps diagnosed?
Most women take over-the-counter drugs like painkillers to suppress the pain. However, women should always consult their doctors to properly diagnose the pain. Physicians normally ask series of questions to properly assess the causes (external and internal) of the pain. They also will provide you with a physical and pelvic exam. Blood tests, ultrasounds are upon recommendations of your doctor.
How do we treat menstrual cramps?
Trust only your doctor when taking medicines. With proper medication and prescription of drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate the pain and inflammatory (McKesson Health Solutions LLC, 2003). Second thing can be putting warm compress on your lower abdomen (hydrotherapy) to relax the muscles and relieve pain. In some cases, birth control pills are prescribed to decrease the production of prostaglandin, which in turn decreases contraction and pain. Home remedies are also encouraged such as pelvic exercises (ask your doctor about it) and exercising regularly. In most cases, living and eating healthier can have positive effects on your general well-being.
Where can you find more information about cervical cancers and the likes?
Call +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics!
How are menstrual cramps diagnosed?
Most women take over-the-counter drugs like painkillers to suppress the pain. However, women should always consult their doctors to properly diagnose the pain. Physicians normally ask series of questions to properly assess the causes (external and internal) of the pain. They also will provide you with a physical and pelvic exam. Blood tests, ultrasounds are upon recommendations of your doctor.
How do we treat menstrual cramps?
Trust only your doctor when taking medicines. With proper medication and prescription of drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate the pain and inflammatory (McKesson Health Solutions LLC, 2003). Second thing can be putting warm compress on your lower abdomen (hydrotherapy) to relax the muscles and relieve pain. In some cases, birth control pills are prescribed to decrease the production of prostaglandin, which in turn decreases contraction and pain. Home remedies are also encouraged such as pelvic exercises (ask your doctor about it) and exercising regularly. In most cases, living and eating healthier can have positive effects on your general well-being.
Where can you find more information about cervical cancers and the likes?
Call +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics!