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.

Dr. Mai Brooks is a surgical oncologist/general surgeon, with expertise in early detection and prevention of cancer. More at http://www.drbrooksmd.com/ and http://progressreportoncancer.wordpress.com/.

Original article

Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors and How to Detect It

Today I will talk about a killer to many women. This is one of the cancers that threaten women's life because in many cases it is asymptomatic

Let's talk in brief about the "ovaries". The ovaries are glands present on the sides of the uterus. The ovary has 2 functions:

1. To produce hormones (oestrogen and progesterone)

2. During child-bearing period, it releases an egg monthly

After menopause, the ovary ceases to release eggs but continues to produce hormones but at a lower rate. This cancer occurs when cells in the ovary start to multiply and grow rapidly.

In many women who have ovarian cancer, there are no symptoms. And if there are symptoms, they are non-specific.

Symptoms include:

- Abdominal discomfort or fullness
- Dyspepsia
- Pelvic pain
- Constipation
- Back pain

Because the symptoms are non-specific, usually patients present when spread has occurred. That's why it is a "silent killer."

There are risk factors for ovarian cancer, such as:

- Low parity
- Delayed childbearing
- High fat diet

Genetics can play an important role. A gene known as BRCA 1 gene is associated with breast - ovarian cancer syndrome.

Our goal is to detect it as early as possible and that will be by doing a routine yearly pelvic examination in the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. Besides a periodic ultrasonography coupled with CA-125 can be used to screen ovarian cancer

Once diagnosed, the treatment options will depend on its type. There are many types of ovarian cancer and each one has it's treatment.

Original article

HPV DNA Testing Can Accurately Detect Cervical Cancer

When a woman reaches the age of 40, she will be at risk of contracting cervical cancer. This disease is primarily caused by the Human papilloma virus or HPV. It is transmitted through sexual contact. HPV doesn't necessarily start out or develop into cancerous cervix cells. However, this disease will usually persist for a long period and can eventually lead to cervical cancer.

Recent studies show that HPV DNA testing is actually more accurate in detecting cervical cancer compared to traditional Pap smear. Looking at the statistics, an HPV DNA test was able to detect about 95% of cases while a Pap smear only detected 55%, both having tested the same participants.

However, it is necessary to point out that this particular DNA test would still need a sample to be collected from the cervix. This test will not suffice as a blood test. That needs to be emphasized, because news reports that have been coming out pertaining to this particular DNA test does not clarify the extent of this procedure.

At present, though, an HPV DNA procedure is being performed together with the traditional Pap smear. But it is also worth mentioning that an HPV DNA testing procedure costs more than the traditional Pap smear - almost $90 compared to $20. One more thing, even women who have received HPV vaccinations are still recommended for screening since there is actually more than one cancer causing strain that is not yet covered the HPV vaccine.

With regard to cervical cancer, early detection is still the best defense against the disease. It is for this reason that women are recommended to undergo tests that could rule out the chances of having cervical cancer. Pap smear is probably the most common test to detect cervical cancer and as mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, it is the most affordable test. It is done by collecting cells from the cervix for examination under the microscope.

An HPV test involves testing and typing. An HPV DNA test is able to detect the presence of the most common high-risk HPV types.

In conclusion, cervical cancer, just like any other cancer, with early detection and treatment, has a greater chance for an individual to get rid of the disease for good.

Are you looking for more information regarding HPV DNA Testing? Visit http://www.dnatesting.cc/ today!

Original article