Cervical Cancer Screening - An

All women should have annual Pap smears beginning at age 21, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Women 21 to 29 should get a Pap every two years, then annually from ages 30 to 64. Beginning cervical cancer screening through Pap smears within three years of having vaginal sexual intercourse or no later than 21 years of age. Depending on the type of Pap test utilized and the test results, cervical cancer screening should be done every one to two years until a woman reaches the age of thirty. Once a woman reaches age 30, she may begin Pap smear screenings for cervical cancer every two to three years providing she has had at least three consecutive Pap smear with normal results. Some women who have other health issues such as HIV or a compromised immune system may need to have more frequent cervical cancer screenings. Women who have reached age 70 and who have had at least three normal Pap smear results and no abnormal Pap smear results for the last ten years may decide to stop cervical cancer screening through Pap smear completely. Women who have had a total hysterectomy do not need Pap smears unless the hysterectomy was performed for cancer or precancerous conditions. Women who have had a subtotal hysterectomy (leaving the cervix intact) need to follow the same guidelines as for other women and continue Pap smear screenings for cervical cancer until they are 70 years old.

While these new cervical cancer screening guidelines are more lenient for women who regularly have Pap smears, it's important to note that an estimated 50 percent of diagnosed cases of cervical cancer in the United States occur in women who have never had a Pap smear. Another 10 percent of diagnosed cases of cervical cancer occur in women who have not had a Pap smear in the last five years.

Remember, your best protection against future cervical cancer diagnosis and survival is to strictly adhere to your personal healthcare provider's advice about when you need to be screened for cervical cancer.

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Symptoms of Breast Cancer

N/A an abnormal lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area any change in the size or shape of the breast abnormal discharge from the nipple change in the color or texture of the breast, aureola, or nipple any dimpling or puckering of the breast  Visit our Health Treatments Guide Index for more information about Breast Cancer and other women's health conditions.

Always discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing with your health care provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Go to the Health Symptoms Guide Index for more common women's health symptoms.

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7 Myths About Breast Cancer

Although many advances have been made in breast cancer detection and treatment over the last quarter century, the fact is we still don't know much about the causes of breast cancer or it's cure. This leaves many of us misunderstanding the facts about breast cancer. It's time we dispel those myths and replace them with what we know is true about breast cancer. Myth: I'm too young to worry about breast cancer.
Fact: While it's true that your breast cancer risk increases as you get older, the fact is that women of all ages are at risk for developing breast cancer.
See: 5 Reasons Why Young Women Should Perform Monthly Breast Self ExamMyth: There's never been a case of breast cancer in my family so I don't need to worry about it happening to me.
Fact: The truth is the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer don't have a family history of this devastating cancer. However, if your mother, sister, or grandmother ever had breast cancer your risk is significantly increased.
See: Breast Cancer Risk Assessment ToolMyth: I don't have a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene so I'm sure breast cancer is not in my future.
Fact: Don't fool yourself! Not having a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene does not mean you won't get breast cancer. Actually, the truth is that almost all women (90 to 95 percent) diagnosed with breast cancer have neither a family history nor mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, according to the American Cancer Society.
See: Understanding the BRCA Gene and Hereditary Breast and Ovarian CancerMyth: The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer had more than one risk factor prior to diagnosis.
Fact: All women are at risk for developing breast cancer whether they have known risk factors. In fact, the majority of breast cancer patients had no known risk factors, other than being female, for this frightening disease.
See: Understanding Breast Cancer RiskMyth: Breast cancer is preventable.
Fact: Although a drug classified as an antiestrogen called, Tamoxifen may decrease breast cancer risk in certain women, the cause of breast cancer remains unknown and is not completely preventable. The real key to surviving breast cancer is early detection and treatment.
See: FDA Approves Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer Prevention in High Risk WomenMyth: Having yearly mammograms will expose me to too much radiation and cancer will occur as a result.
Fact: According to the American College of Radiology, the benefits of annual mammograms far outweigh any risks that may occur because of the minute amount of radiation used during this screening and diagnostic procedure.
See: Mammography ScreeningMyth: I'm not going to breastfeed because breastfeeding would increase my risk of getting breast cancer.
Fact: Just the opposite is true. Breastfeeding may actually decrease the risk of perimenopausal breast cancer.
See: Breastfeeding Benefits Mom and Baby

Source: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

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Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

cancer of the cervix, cervical carcinoma

Cervical cancer grows slowly; that's why getting a yearly Pap smear is imperative for all women. The Pap smear detects early changes to the cervix that may be signs of cervical cancer, or more likely, other cervical conditions.

Visit our Health Treatments Guide Index for more information about Cervical Cancer and other women's health conditions.

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Always discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing with your health care provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Didn't find your symptoms here?

Go to the Health Symptoms Guide Index for more common women's health symptoms.

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Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Knowing the symptoms of ovarian cancer can help lead to an early diagnosis, which increases your chance of survival. It's important to note, however, that many women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer never experienced any ovarian cancer symptoms beforehand. In addition, women who do experience these symptoms are often diagnosed with something less serious than ovarian cancer. Seeing your doctor and clearly communicating what you're feeling can help get to the bottom of whatever issue you may be facing. cancer of the ovaries, ovarian carcinoma If symptoms are present, they may include: unusual abdominal feeling of fullness pelvic discomfort unexplained indigestion, gas, or bloating pain during sexual intercourse abnormal bleeding swelling and/or pain in the abdomen

Ovarian Cancer. Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000889.htm. Accessed 12/16/09.

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Uterine Cancer Surgery hystere

After a hysterectomy, women usually have some pain and general fatigue. In some cases, patients may have nausea and vomiting following surgery, and some women may have problems returning to normal bladder and bowel function. The effects of anesthesia and discomfort may also temporarily limit physical activity. Diet is usually restricted to liquids at first and gradually increases to regular meals. The length of the hospital stay may vary from several days to a week.

Women who have had a hysterectomy no longer have menstrual periods. When the ovaries are removed, menopause occurs immediately. Hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause caused by surgery may be more severe than those caused by natural menopause. In the general population, estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is often prescribed to relieve these problems. However, ERT is not commonly used for women who have had endometrial cancer. Because estrogen has been linked to the development of uterine cancer (see Possible Causes and Prevention), many doctors are concerned that ERT may cause uterine cancer to recur. Other doctors point out that there is no scientific evidence that ERT increases the risk of recurrence. A large research study is being conducted to determine whether women who have had early stage endometrial cancer can safely take estrogen.

After surgery, normal activities usually can be resumed in 4 to 8 weeks. Sexual desire and sexual intercourse are not usually affected by hysterectomy. However, some women may experience feelings of loss that may make intimacy difficult. Counseling or support for both the patient and her partner may be helpful.

Reprinted from the National Cancer Institute (NCI)

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10 Steps Prevent Breast Cancer

Ann Kulze, M.D. is the author of Dr. Ann's 10-Step Diet (Top Ten Wellness and Fitness, October 2004), a primary care physician, spokesperson for Ruby Tuesday's Restaurant and mother of four. Dr. Ann designed these ten steps to show you how YOU can prevent breast cancer in your life.

1. Maintain a healthy body weight (BMI less than 25) throughout your life. Weight gain in midlife, independent of BMI, has been shown to significantly increase breast cancer risk. Additionally, and elevated BMI has been conclusively shown to increase the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer.

2. Minimize or avoid alcohol. Alcohol use is the most well established dietary risk factor for breast cancer. The Harvard Nurses' Health study, along with several others, has shown consuming more than one alcoholic beverage a day can increase breast cancer risk by as much as 20-25 percent.

3. Consume as many fruits and vegetables as possible. Eat seven or more servings daily. The superstars for breast cancer protection include all cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower) ; dark leafy greens (collards, kale, spinach) ; carrots and tomatoes. The superstar fruits include citrus, berries and cherries. Note: it is best to eat cruciferous vegetables raw or lightly cooked, as some of the phytochemicals believed to offer protection against breast cancer are destroyed by heat.

4. Exercise regularly the rest of your life. Many studies have shown that regular exercise provides powerful protection against breast cancer. Aim for 30 minutes or more of moderate aerobic activity (brisk walking) five or more days a week. Consistency and duration, not intensity, are key!

5. Do your fats right! The type of fat in your diet can affect your breast cancer risk. Minimize consumption of omega-6 fats (sunflower, safflower, corn and cottonseed oils), saturated fats and trans fats. Maximize your intake of omega-3 fats, especially from oily fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, lake trout and herring). Consume monounsaturated oils (canola, olive oil, nuts/seeds, avocados) as your primary fat source, as these foods have potential anticancer properties. Specifically, canola oil is a good source of omega-3 fats; extra virgin olive oil is a potent source of antioxidant polyphenols, including squalene; and nuts and seeds provide you with the cancer protective mineral, selenium.

6. Do your carbs right! Minimize consumption of the high glycemic index, "Great White Hazards" - white flour, white rice, white potatoes, sugar and products containing them. These foods trigger hormonal changes that promote cellular growth in breast tissue. Replace these "wrong" carbs with whole grains and beans/legumes. Beans/legumes because of their high fiber and lignan content are especially special.

7. Consume whole food soy products regularly, such as tofu, tempeh, edamame, roasted soy nuts, soy milk and miso. Only consume organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) soy. Epidemiologic studies have shown a positive association between soy consumption and reduced breast cancer risk.

8. Minimize exposure to pharmacologic estrogens and xeno-estrogens. Do not take prescription estrogens unless medically indicated. Lifetime exposure to estrogen plays a fundamental role in the development of breast cancer. Also avoid estrogen-like compounds found in environmental pollutants, such as pesticides and industrial chemicals. Buy organic produce if you can afford it; otherwise, thoroughly wash all non-organic produce. Minimize exposure to residual hormones found in non-organic dairy products, meat and poultry.

9. Take your supplements daily. A multivitamin, 500-1,000 mg of vitamin C in divided doses, 200-400 IUs of vitamin E as mixed tocopherols, and pharmaceutical grade fish oil. Also take 200 mcg of the mineral selenium or eat one to two Brazil nuts as an alternative. If you have a chronic medical condition or take prescription drugs, consult your physician first.

10. Maintain a positive mental outlook. Engage in self-nurturing behaviors regularly. Develop rich, warm and mutually beneficial relationships with family and friends. Get adequate sleep (7-8 hours per night). The mind-body associations with breast cancer are significant.

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Dr. Ann's 10-Step Diet

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