HPV: Uncovering the Cancer Risk

HPV or Human Papilloma Virus  is the name for a group of viruses that affect your skin and the moist membranes lining your body, for example, in your cervix, anus, mouth and throat.

 
 

Pap Smear: Facts you Should Know.

According to a recent news (Oct 17,2011) published by Medscape.com "Screening for cervical cancer is equally effective with conventional Pap testing and liquid-based cytology with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing."

 
 

What Your periods speak about your health

Paying attention to the patterns of your menstrual cycle offers a window into your overall health. Abnormal periods aren't just wacky; they may be clues to your health � signaling that you're at higher risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, infertility, or certain cancers.

 
 

Cervical Cancer Vaccine: uncovering the facts

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer. Conventional treatments for cervical cancer such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, hysterectomy, or the removal of lymph nodes and ovaries can often leave the woman infertile. Cervical cancer vaccines (also called Human Papillomavirus or HPV vaccines) protect against the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers.

 
 
 

Cervical Cancer and Pregnancy

A small number of cervical cancers are found in pregnant women. The decision to go for the pregnancy or its termination will depend on the stage of pregnancy and cervical cancer. For example, If your cancer is a very early cancer, such as stage IA, then most doctors believe that it is safe to continue the pregnancy to term. Several weeks after delivery, a hysterectomy or a cone biopsy is recommended (the cone biopsy is suggested only for substage IA1).

 
 

What is Cervical Cancer?

The cervix is the neck of the womb (uterus).  It connects the body of the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). The outside of the cervix and the vagina are covered by a layer of flat cells called squamous cells. The canal of the cervix is lined by tall column-like cells columnar cells. These two cell types, squamous cells and columnar cells,  meet at a place called the squamo-columnar junction or the transformation zone. This junction may be on the outside of the cervix where it is easy to see. It is in this transformation zone that abnormal growth or dysplasia develops. The cervix plays an important role in maintaining a normal pregnancy. In non-pregnant women, the cervix has no obvious function.

 
 

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the second most common reproductive cancer in women after endometrial cancer. Cancer occurs when cells undergo a transformation and begin to grow and multiply without normal controls. As the cells grow and multiply, they form masses called tumors. Ovarian cancer occurs when a tumor forms in one or both of a woman's ovaries.

 
 

Yoga for Cancer

Cancer patients often find themselves in distracted states of mind�bombarded as they are by frightening, sometimes contradictory, information, subjected to invasive, painful procedures, and not-always-compassionate medical care. When our minds are so grievously disturbed, we may find it impossible to make crucial decisions or relate satisfactorily to our family and friends. Practicing Pranayam, meditation and relaxation help in reliving tension.  When the tension is released, energy can flow more easily in the body and allow patients to experience a sense of well-being and strength�a balance of body, mind, and spirit.

 
 
 
 

Cervical Cancer Quiz:

Cervical cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women. Cervical cancers do not form suddenly. Normal cervical cells gradually develop precancerous changes that turn into cancer. This process usually takes many years but sometimes can happen in less than a year.