Women’s health is different from men’s health. In fact, the World Health Organization defines health as complete physical, mental and social well-being. People who are healthy have no signs or symptoms of disease. However, women’s health needs special attention and care. In this article, you’ll learn about breast exams, Mammograms, and Pap smears, as well as treatment for breast cancer.
Breast exams
A self-exam of the breasts is an excellent way to monitor breast health. It can also help you detect problems early. You should use different levels of pressure when feeling the breast tissue. Start by feeling the tissue closest to your skin and then move down to the deeper tissue. Don’t rush through this self-exam – it takes several minutes to perform a complete breast exam.
While yearly exams are important, some physicians advise women to do monthly self-exams. This can help women feel more comfortable with their bodies and report any changes to their physicians. According to the Johns Hopkins Medical Center, up to 40% of women are diagnosed with breast cancer by self-exams. However, an annual mammogram should also be part of a woman’s routine.
Mammograms
Mammograms are important imaging tools that can detect breast cancer early, which in turn can lead to more effective treatment and a better chance of long-term survival. Studies have found that women who get regular mammograms are 30 percent less likely to develop breast cancer than those who do not receive them. Whether you have insurance or not, mammograms are affordable and are an important step in keeping yourself healthy.
The American College of Radiology, the Society of Breast Imaging, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommend yearly mammograms for women starting at age 40. However, women may need to start screening earlier, depending on their risk and family history. In addition to mammograms, women who are experiencing osteoporosis or other health concerns should have bone density scans as well.
Pap smears
Pap smears are screening tests for cervical cancer, but the results aren’t always conclusive. If a test is positive, it means there are cells in the cervix that are cancerous or precancerous. Conversely, if a test is negative, it means that there are no cells. But a positive result doesn’t mean that you have cancer, either. In fact, it may just indicate inflammation.
Pap smears are performed in a doctor’s office. They typically take place about 10 to 20 days after the woman’s last menstrual period. It’s important to make an appointment at least two days before sexual activity. After the procedure, she’ll need to wait a couple of days for the results, which vary from doctor to doctor.
Treatments for breast cancer
There are many different treatments for breast cancer. Some are used in the early stages of the disease, while others are used in advanced stages. The goal of breast cancer treatment is to eradicate the cancer and control the spread of the cancer. This can be a difficult task, especially if the patient is pregnant. Treatment for breast cancer during pregnancy involves coordination between the cancer care team and the obstetrician.
Before any treatment is given, the treatment team will evaluate the cancer and determine the best course of action. This will include performing a biopsy, getting imaging studies, and genetic testing. Depending on the stage and type of cancer, treatments may include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy. Some medications will also have side effects that can damage the heart, kidneys, nerves, or bones.
Treatments for estrogen deficiency
There are several different treatments for estrogen deficiency in women. Some may be effective while others may be ineffective. For example, menopause, which is an accelerated menopause of women whose ovaries have been removed before age 40, is often caused by a lack of estrogen. Depending on the level of estrogen in a woman’s body, treatments for estrogen deficiency in women may reduce her risk of certain health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis.
In the short term, treatments for estrogen deficiency in women may be effective for breast cancer survivors. These treatments often include estrogen surrogates and hormone replacement therapy. Patients should undergo a full evaluation before beginning any treatment for estrogen deficiency. It is especially important to monitor any symptoms that may occur during menopause such as painful intercourse and urinary problems.
Treatments for ovarian cancer
Although ovarian cancer cannot be completely prevented, it is possible to reduce the risk. A healthy lifestyle and a healthy weight can help lower your risk. There are no screening tests that can detect ovarian cancer, so many women’s blog do not discover they have it until it has spread to other parts of the body. It is also important to learn about your family history, since some women are at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer because of a gene mutation called the BRCA gene. Women with the BRCA gene mutation may need to undergo risk reduction surgery.
There are several treatments for ovarian cancer. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays and other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells and prevent them from growing. It is not usually part of the first treatment plan, but it may be used if your cancer has returned. Most radiation therapy side effects are temporary, but it is important to discuss any side effects with your doctor.