HERBAL MEDICINES FOR CERVICAL CANCER

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. Women between the ages of 30 and 55 have the highest incidence of cervical cancer. Women who have had sexually transmitted disease, and those who have had many pregnancies beginning at a young age, are at greater risk. If you smoke, quit. Cigarette smoking is a suspected risk factor for cervical cancer. Getting an annual pelvic examination and Pap test is the only way to screen for cervical cancer. A Pap test can detect malignant cells before symptoms are present.

Fortunately, cervical cancer is slow to develop. If diagnosed at an early stage, when the cancer is still confined to the outermost layers of cervical tissue, cervical cancer has a cure rate of almost 100 percent. Even in more advanced cases, when the cancer spreads deeper into the cervical wall, the chances of recovery are good. On the other hand, if the cancer is allowed to spread to other organs, the prognosis is not as good.
Signs and Symptoms

Cervical cancer in its early stages usually does not produce symptoms. Later, the most common symptoms are:

1. Bleeding from the vagina after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause
2. Bloody vaginal discharge
3. Conventional Medical Treatment

If you notice any type of unexplained bleeding or discharge, see your gynecologist immediately, who performs a pelvic examination and Pap smear. If the Pap smear reveals abnormalities, your doctor examines your cervix closely (using a device called a colposcope) and takes a tissue sample to check for malignant cells. If cancer is confirmed, your doctor may take X-rays to determine if the cancer has spread to any of the surrounding organs.

Treatment for cervical cancer depends on what stage it is in. If it is caught early, laser surgery, freezing, or cauterization may be used to remove the malignant cells from the outer layer of tissue. If the cancer has advanced into the cervical wall, radiation may be performed. (See "Conventional Medical Treatment" in the "Bladder Cancer" entry for more information on radiation therapy.) Your doctor also may recommend a hysterectomy, an operation in which the cervix and uterus are removed.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Acupuncture may be used as an adjunct treatment during the early stages of cervical cancer to boost the body's immune system and improve the flow of chi to diseased cells.

Acupressure Acupressure may be useful in alleviating the pain of cervical cancer and the stomach upset caused by conventional treatments.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Garlic has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cell while promoting the production of healthy cells, which may account for this herb's popularity in the prevention and treatment of all types of cancer, including cervical. Ginseng also is known for its immunity-boosting, anti-cancer properties.

Read out for Liposuction garments. Check out breast pumps and doctor
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Brain

CERVICAL CANCER DIET

STATISTIC OF CERVICAL CANCER BY AGE

CAN YOU RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF OVARIAN CANCER(REF: CERVICAL CANCER)

Because there are no symptoms to warn women that they have ovarian cancer, it is known as the "silent killer". Research has shown that there are some warning signs that have been observed a few months before this cancer has been identified in patients. Sometimes women may reach the later stages of this disease and still have no symptoms. In fact, few women showing symptoms that may be associated with ovarian cancer are even diagnosed with it.

Chances for death are increased for women diagnosed with this illness as they age. Ovarian cancer deaths occurring in women between the ages of 35 and 54 is about twenty five percent. In women between 55 and 74 the percentages of death due to this illness increases to fifty percent.

Often signs are not detected for this "silent killer" until this disease is in the advanced stages. Women need to know what the signs of ovarian cancer are and be able to recognize them.

The signs of ovarian cancer to watch for are as follows:

1. Weight loss or weight gain Increase in your waistline that you cannot explain

2. Shortness of breath Back, pelvic, or abdominal pain

3. Fatigue

4. Even though you have not eaten much you feel full V

5. Vaginal bleeding or discharge that is unusual such as menopausal bleeding or a heavy menstrual flow

6. Gastro intestinal problems that may be vague such as indigestion, bloating, gas, loss of appetite, bloody stool, vomiting and nausea, prolonged diarrhea or constipation

7. Discomfort during sex Intense or frequent need to urinate

8. Spasms or burning sensations while urinating

These symptoms could be a sign of many minor ailments or other disease. If they are experienced for more than a few weeks and get worse with time you should be tested for ovarian cancer. Your health care provider will be able to conduct tests and if necessary a biopsy may be performed.

Women should maintain a healthy life style to prevent this disease as well as many others. An annual examination to detect ovarian cancer before it has a chance to spread should be part of a woman's health care regime after age 35.

For other useful and practical information concerning Women's Health Issues, please go to http://www.womens-health-talk.wcf-ltd.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fran_Mullens

TERRIBLE OVARIAN CANCER SYMPTOMS( REFERENCE FOR SERVICAL CANCER)

Ovarian cancer has a very dismal prognosis. However, if you are able to recognize the top 3 terrible ovarian cancer symptoms early on, you might have a better chance of surviving. But don't get completely mislead, as the top 3 terrible ovarian cancer symptoms are not necessarily 'terrible'. Yes, they denote that you have a horrifying disease, but in and of themselves they are not much worse than symptoms associated with less serious diseases. Yet, they definitely should not be overlooked, especially if they persist over a long period of time. This article will discuss the top 3 terrible ovarian cancer symptoms including: abdominal problems, incontinence and dyspareunia.

The first symptom of the top 3 ovarian cancer symptoms we are going to talk about involves problems within the abdominal region. This usually starts off with abdominal swelling. The swelling gets so bad that a woman may have trouble zipping up her jeans. She may think the underlying issue is weight gain, but many times it isn't, especially if the woman has been eating normally. Additionally, a woman may have digestive problems to accompany her swollen belly. These digestive problems could include nausea, indigestion or abnormal bowel habits.

The next symptom on the list is incontinence. This is when a woman is not able to urinate normally. She may have the psychological urge to urinate too much, even if she can't do so physically. She may also leak urine. Granted, a urinary tract infection could also cause incontinence, but a woman won't know for sure unless she goes to the doctor. If the incontinence is caused by a urinary tract infection, the problem should clear up after the woman is given antibiotics. If it isn't, and age isn't a factor, she could definitely have ovarian cancer.

The final symptom we are going to talk about is dyspareunia. What is dyspareunia? In layman's terms it is defined as painful sexual intercourse. This is one of the few early symptoms of ovarian cancer that actually affects the reproductive region. However, some women have painful intercourse and are healthy. They may attribute their sexual dysfunction due to not being in the mood, or maybe not being lubricated enough. Yet, if the problem occurs over time and a woman has experienced the other symptoms featured in this article, she should get herself checked out.

In conclusion, the 3 main ovarian cancer symptoms are: abdominal problems, incontinence and dyspareunia. All of these symptoms can easily be mistaken for other conditions, even by medical professionals, but hopefully if a woman goes to the doctor enough, they should be able to pinpoint the true cause. And if this cause is ovarian cancer, at least the woman had the advantage of getting it noticed early. This doesn't mean she won't have to struggle for her life, but at least she has a greater chance in that struggle. Ultimately, if any of the 3 terrible ovarian cancer symptoms apply to you, don't hope they'll go away. Get a medical exam as soon as possible.

You can learn more about ovarian cancer as well as the symptoms of ovarian cancer on my website http://www.OvarianCancerPrognosis.net My website includes a whole range of articles focusing on the problems caused by ovarian cancer, treatments and of course what you should do if you think you have ovarian cancer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Pedersen

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT HPV VACCINES(CERVICAL CANCER)

More than 100 types of human papilloma virus (HPV) are known to exist. More than 30 types of HPV are transmitted through sexual contact. At least 19 types of HPV cause cervical cancer in women and also cause cancer of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus and certain types of throat cancer.

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine called Gardasil, made by Merck & Co., for the prevention of infection by four types of HPV. Gardasil prevents infection by two cancer-causing HPV types (16 and 18 - responsible for 70% of cervical cancer in the United States) and two HPV types that cause genital warts (6 and 11 - responsible for about 90% of the HPV-induced genital warts in the United States).

A competitor of Merck, GlaxoSmithKline, has a vaccine under review by the FDA that they hope to have approved in the near future. This vaccine, called Cervarix, prevents infection with HPV types 16 and 18.

The FDA approved Gardisil for use in girls and women between the ages of 9 and 25 who have not ever been exposed to HPV. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends vaccination of girls at the ages of 11 or 12.

Both Gardisil and Cervarix are almost 100% effective against the virus types they contain, but are probably ineffective against all the strains they do not contain. How long the protective effect of either HPV vaccine lasts after inoculation is unknown, but many experts believe resistance to infection will last at least four years.

Even though the current HPV vaccine only protects against a limited number of HPV types, in the U.S. it makes sense for young women and girls to be vaccinated since the risk of injury and death from HPV infection is so high. The vaccine has very few side effects, and medical experts believe the risk of vaccination is extremely low in comparison to the benefit.

While some religious leaders are opposed to vaccination because they are worried that it will encourage sexual promiscuity, this "virginity or death" stance has no legitimate place in a civilized society. On the other hand, it makes little sense for politicians to force girls to be vaccinated since the commercial vaccine, while very profitable to its manufacturer, is only the beginning of the solution to worldwide HPV prevention.

The new HPV vaccines are clearly important medical progress in controlling life-threatening viral infections, but problems remain. If only females are vaccinated, the HPV reservoir in males will be unaffected and the threat to the human population as a whole is unlikely to be reduced. With HPV infections so high worldwide, it is likely that other HPV strains not included in the commercial vaccines will increase in frequency over time, leaving even vaccinated people susceptible.

From the standpoint of worldwide virus control, the high cost of the vaccine makes it too expensive for use in developing countries. Ongoing research should improve the breadth of effectiveness of HPV vaccines to include protection against essentially all virus strains. In addition, in the future there may be therapeutic vaccines to treat people already infected with HPV. For now, keep informed, remain skeptical of commercial advertising and unproved claims, but take advantage of this valuable advance in preventative medicine.

Visit us at http://www.mednewsyoucanuse.com/HPV.html for more information about this and related health care issues.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Lester

FAST FACTS ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER

Cervical cancer can usually be prevented if women are screened regularly with a test called the Pap test.

Any woman who has a cervix can get cervical cancer, especially if she or her sexual partner has had sex with several other partners.

Most often, cervical cancer develops in women aged 40 or older.

Abnormal cells in the cervix and cervical cancer don't always cause symptoms, especially at first. That's why getting tested for cervical cancer is important, even if there are no symptoms.

When it is found early and treated, cervical cancer is highly curable.

Most deaths from cervical cancer could be avoided if women had regular checkups with the Pap test.

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

Research has found several factors that may affect a person's risk of developing cervical cancer.

1. Infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
2. A high number of sexual partners.
3. Many full-term pregnancies.
4. Use of oral contraceptives.
5. Infrequent Pap tests and cervical examinations.
6. Smoking.
7. Diet low in fruits and vegetables.

Reducing Risk of Cervical Cancer

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Although the majority of these infections cause no symptoms and go away on their own, persistent genital HPV infection can cause cervical cancer in females.

In June 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a vaccine for HPV for females 9 to 26 years of age to prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV. Further, CDC's National Immunization Program (NIP) and the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have recommended the use of the HPV vaccine. In support of the FDA, CDC's NIP, and ACIP, CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control offers the following statement about HPV and cervical cancer:

Regular cervical cancer screening (Pap tests) is recommended for all women (starting within 3 years of when a woman begins sexual activity or at age 21, whichever comes first).

HPV vaccination for girls and women aged 9–26 is supported.

HPV vaccination for women aged 27 or older is not supported.

All women receiving the HPV vaccine should continue to receive regular cervical cancer screening (Pap tests) according to established screening recommendations.

Note: HPV vaccination does not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening (Pap tests). This vaccine is not intended to treat cervical cancers. For information about cervical cancer, visit Basic Information about Cervical Cancer. To learn more about cervical cancer screening and Pap tests, visit Cervical Cancer Screening Pap Test.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) offers free or low-cost Pap tests. To find out if you qualify, call your local program.

In March 2007, CDC released recommendations of the ACIP about the use of the new quadrivalent HPV vaccine in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). These recommendations represent the first statement by the ACIP on the use of the HPV vaccine licensed by the U.S. FDA on June 8, 2006. The report summarizes the epidemiology of HPV and associated diseases, describes the licensed HPV vaccine, uses National Program of Cancer Registriesand SEER data to characterize the burden of HPV-associated cancers, and provides recommendations for vaccination of females aged 9–26 years in the United States. More specific information and recommendations about the HPV vaccine are available from the ACIP.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause changes in the cervix. Cervical infection with HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer.

Other Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

While an HPV infection is needed to develop cervical cancer, other factors increase a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer. A woman can best protect herself from cervical cancer by limiting her number of sexual partners

Getting screened regularly with a Pap test (The Pap test can detect precursors of cervical cancer or cervical cancer at an early stage, when the chance of being cured is very high. The most important thing you can do to avoid getting cervical cancer is to have Pap tests regularly.)

Following up any abnormal Pap test results as recommended by her health care provider
Not smoking cigarettes

*information from cdc.gov

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?

CERVICAL CANCER

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the body grow out of control. When these abnormal cells are present in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer, or cancer of the cervix. As the drawing shows, the cervix is the lower, narrower part of the uterus. The uterus is also known as the womb. The upper part of the uterus is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. The cervix connects the upper part of the uterus to the vagina (the birth canal).

Diagram of the female genital tract depicting fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, cervix, and vaginaA Pap test is a procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and examined under a microscope. It is used to detect cancer or changes that may lead to cancer. A Pap test can also show noncancerous conditions, such as infection or inflammation.

Getting regular Pap tests can save a woman's life. Cervical cancer can usually be prevented if precancerous cervical lesions are found by a Pap test and treated. Invasive cervical cancer can usually be cured if it is found early through regular Pap tests and treated promptly. About half of the women in the United States who develop cervical cancer have never had a Pap test. Regular Pap tests decrease a woman's risk for developing cervical cancer because they can detect precancerous cervical lesions at early, treatable stages.

Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. However, during the past four decades, incidence and mortality have declined significantly, primarily because of the widespread use of the Papanicolaou (Pap) test to detect cervical abnormalities. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force strongly recommends screening for cervical cancer in women who have been sexually active and have a cervix. Nonetheless, approximately half of the cervical cancers currently diagnosed in the United States are in women who have never received a Pap test, and an additional 10 percent occur in women who have not been screened within the past 5 years.