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Cervical Cancer Awareness Month Blog 2022

All About Cervical Cancer

Jan 19th, 2022

Archive for January, 2022

All About Cervical Cancer

Wednesday, January 19th, 2022

India is responsible for roughly one-third of all cervical cancer fatalities worldwide, with 122,844 cases diagnosed each year. According to the Globocan 2020 report, cervical cancer affects 18.3 percent of Indian women. Due to lack of awareness, hesitancy, or restricted access to medical services, only a small percentage of women in India are screened for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treated cancers once diagnosed, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. The month of January is observed as “Cervical Cancer Awareness Month,” with the goal of raising awareness about cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer happens when cells change in women’s cervix, which connects the uterus and vagina. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause behind cervical cancer. There are around 100 different forms of HPV, with about 14 of them being high-risk cancer-causing strains. Most HPV infections in women clear without any intervention within 2 years. The high-risk strains of the virus can survive in the body for up to two years, integrating with cells and progressing to cervical cancer. Early detection requires regular screening.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

A person may have no symptoms at all in the early stages of cervical cancer. This makes regular pap smear tests even more essential. A pap smear test is a preventive measure and it not only helps identify the disease, but also reveals any cell alterations that may signify the onset of cancer so that treatment can begin sooner. Here are some of the most common signs of cervical cancer:

  • Pelvic pain.
  • Bleeding between periods.
  • Bleeding after sexual intercourse.
  • Bleeding in post-menopausal women.
  • Vaginal discharge with a strong odour.
  • Discomfort during sexual intercourse.

These symptoms may also happen due to other underlying health conditions. Consult a gynaecologist for further investigation and care.

Risk factors for Cervical Cancer

Here are some risk factors that increase your risk of getting cervical cancer:

  • Multiple sexual partners.
  • Early sexual activity.
  • Use of contraceptive pills.
  • Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • A weakened immune system. 
  • Smoking.

How can you Prevent Cervical Cancer?

Based on your age, overall health, and personal risk for cervical cancer, you can take some precautionary measures to reduce your risk of getting cervical cancer. Work with you gynaecologist to know more about these preventive measures:

  • Be regular with pap smear tests
    A Pap test is your first line of defence against cervical cancer. During a pelvic exam, your gynaecologist will take a sample of your cervical cells to look for ones that could become cancer.
  • Get an HPV vaccine
    Vaccines can help protect children and young adults against certain HPV infections.
  • Practicing safe sex
    Limiting sexual partners, using condoms and abstaining from sex at early ages helps limit your risk of cervical cancer.
  • Not smoking
    Quit smoking to reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer: Myths and Facts

There’s a lot of misinformation about cervical cancer, let us clear the most common myths and facts about this condition:

Myth: If you have HPV, you will surely develop cervical cancer.
Fact: There are over 100 different strains of HPV, some of which are associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer than others. HPV-16 or HPV-18 are responsible for over 70% of HPV-related cervical cancers. However, most genital HPV infections, do not result in cancer.

Myth: Cervical cancer only occurs in less developed countries.
Fact: Cervical cancer affects people in all countries worldwide. However, due to lack of regular screenings and early care, it is more common in less developed countries.

Myth: I’ve received the HPV vaccine, so I don’t need Pap tests.
Fact: Regular Pap tests are still necessary for everyone who have had the HPV vaccine. The vaccine protects against some types of HPV, but not all of them, making regular screenings essential.

Myth: Pap smear screening checks for all gynaecologic cancers.
Fact: That is not true. The test does not screen for other gynaecologic cancers such as ovarian cancer and fallopian cancer, it tests only for cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Our Centre for Cancer offers comprehensive cancer care for the prevention, screening and early detection of cervical cancer. The team of highly trained oncologists and onco-surgeons offer specialized cervical cancer care and are supported with advanced technology. Our team of doctors provide compassionate care and multi-modal treatment options for cervical cancer that include medical therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, etc. Please find below our website details for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cancer/gynecologicaloncology.html

Thyroid Awareness

Saturday, January 15th, 2022

Thyroid diseases have become one of the most common health concerns in India, with an increasing number of people being diagnosed with them. Thyroid diseases affect 42 million Indians, with hypothyroidism affecting one out of every ten men and women. One-third of thyroid patients in India still remain unaware of their condition. Over time, untreated thyroid dysfunction can lead to obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease. This disorder affects people of all ages, but women are more likely to develop it. January is celebrated as “Thyroid Awareness Month” worldwide to raise awareness regarding the various health problems related to the thyroid gland. Let us look at the common thyroid disorders, symptoms, complications and tips to manage your thyroid condition.

Common Thyroid Problems

Some of the most common thyroid problems include:

  • Goiter – enlargement of the thyroid gland.
  • Hyperthyroidism – when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs.
  • Hypothyroidism – when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones.
  • Thyroid cancer.
  • Thyroid nodules – lumps in the thyroid gland.
  • Thyroiditis – swelling of the thyroid.

Symptoms of Thyroid

Thyroid disease is a term that refers to a group of disorders that have similar symptoms. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can have opposing effects on the same physiological systems, but goitre, thyroid cancer, and Grave’s disease each have their own set of symptoms. Your thyroid affects many different body systems and can have symptoms like:

1. Weight Changes

Unexplained weight changes can be a sign of a thyroid disorder

  • In hypothyroidism, you may gain excess weight.
  • In hyperthyroidism, you may experience sudden weight loss.
  • Not everyone with thyroid disease will have these changes.

2. Temperature

Both forms of thyroid disease can make you temperature-sensitive.

  • In hypothyroidism you may feel cold.
  • In hyperthyroidism you may feel hot and sweaty despite a normal temperature around you.

3. Fatigue and Sleep

Sleep issues and fatigue are common with thyroid issues in spite of a good night’s rest.

Hypothyroidism can make you

  • Wake up exhausted, even after 8 hours of night sleep.
  • Take longer naps.

Hyperthyroidism can make you

  • Have a hard time falling asleep.
  • Have sleep disturbances.
  • Feel anxious at bed time.

4. Mental Health

Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are common with thyroid problems.

5. Neck or Throat

Thyroid conditions can cause health problems in your neck or throat. It may lead to autoimmune thyroid disease, nodules, goiter or enlarged thyroid or thyroid cancer. This may cause swelling of the neck, trouble swallowing or breathing, a hoarse voice.

6. Hair, Skin, and Nails

An imbalance in your thyroid hormones may cause changes in your hair, skin, and nails. It may lead to brittle, dry hair, severe hair loss, fine hair, brittle, thin, dull hair,

7. Bowel Habits

Thyroid conditions can cause digestion problems such as persistent constipation,  diarrhoea, loose stools, or irritable bowel syndrome.

8. Menstruation and Fertility

Thyroid conditions can increase your risk of irregular periods, infertility and may raise your risk of having miscarriages.

9. Eye Problems

Thyroid conditions can affect your eyes and may cause symptoms like dryness, blurred vision, swollen puffy eyes, or proptosis.

10. Musculoskeletal System

You may experience muscular pains and joint discomfort, particularly in your arms and legs, if your thyroid is hyperactive. For persons with an underactive thyroid, fibromyalgia-like pain is prevalent, and you may also have carpal tunnel syndrome in your hands.

Thyroid Complications

Early diagnosis and timely treatment of thyroid can help lower the risk of complications. Here are some complications that you must watch out for:

Hypothyroidism

  • Neuropathy.
  • Trouble conceiving a baby.
  • Pregnancy complications.

Hyperthyroidism

  • Osteoporosis.
  • Atrial fibrillation.
  • Pregnancy complications.

How to manage your Thyroid

Work with a specialist to help monitor and treat your thyroid levels. Take your medications on time and be regular with your thyroid tests to reassess the medication requirements if needed. Here are some health measures to adopt to reduce the impact of thyroid and help control it:

  • Avoid packaged foods.
  • Practice good sleep hygiene.
  • Get daily sunlight.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Manage stress better
  • Quit smoking.
  • Have vitamins, proteins and whole grains.

Thyroid care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Meet highly trained and experienced endocrinologists at our Thyroid Clinic for a detailed diagnosis of your thyroid condition. The team is equipped with advanced thyroid care facilities to conduct thyroid profile, ultrasound, fine needle aspiration cytology, isotope scanning, radio-iodine treatment and surgery. Please find the below website link for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/endocrinologydiabetes/thyroidclinic.html

Stay Healthy with a Strong Immunity

Saturday, January 8th, 2022

Is everybody around you feeling sick or recovering from a respiratory infection? Depending on how powerful their immune system is, some people will experience moderate symptoms while others would be seriously affected. Your immune system is a large network of organs, white blood cells, proteins (antibodies), and chemicals. This system works together to protect you from foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) that cause infection, illness, and disease. A normally functioning immune system keeps you healthy by fighting off harmful foreign intruders such as bacteria and viruses. However, a weak immune system makes it difficult for your body to fight external infections. A weak immunity makes you more vulnerable to infections, can produce unpleasant symptoms, and takes longer recovery periods too. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and consuming healthy foods go a long way in increasing your immunity.

Nutrition and Immunity

Eating enough nutrients as part of a varied diet is required for the health and function of all cells, including immune cells. Choosing fresh, whole, unprocessed foods does wonders for your overall health. Several nutrient-rich foods, particularly those that include vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, iron, and protein are important to help boost your immunity. Limit your intake of salt and sugar and avoid consumption of fried foods. Here are a few recommended foods to help strengthen your immune system:

  • Vitamin C
    Vitamin C is well-known for its immunity-boosting properties. It is best consumed in fresh form than in packaged juice. Include oranges, broccoli, kiwi or bell peppers in your diet.
  • Probiotics
    Probiotics are healthy gut bacteria that protect your body against infection. Fermented foods such as idli and dosa, curd, buttermilk, and pickles are excellent sources of probiotics.
  • Antioxidants
    Stress can reduce your immunity, making you more susceptible to sickness. Have a diet rich in antioxidants to protect yourself from oxidative stress and build a strong immune system. This includes colourful fruits and vegetables such as berries, carrots, pumpkin, spinach, etc.
  • Eat anti-inflammatory foods
    A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods helps balance hormones, improves your body’s ability to fight infection, and improves your digestive health. Dark leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds, ghee, avocado, olive oil are all good examples of anti-inflammatory foods.
  • Add protein to your diet
    The amino acids in protein help the body manufacture antibodies and can help protect you against a wide range of infections.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
    These are essential fats that your body cannot make but must be procured from food. Foods high in omega-3 include fish, vegetable oils, walnuts, flax seeds, flaxseed oil, and leafy vegetables. They are essential to maintain strong immunity.
  • Ginger and garlic can help
    Make ginger and garlic a part of your daily diet. Garlic’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities aid to improve the function of your immune cells. Ginger, on the other hand, reduces inflammation and strengthens the immune system due to its antibacterial characteristics.

Lifestyle Improvements

It is not just the diet you eat on a daily basis that makes you healthy and strong., but your lifestyle habits matter too. Adapting good and healthy habits consistently can significantly improve your immune function and make you stronger. Follow these simple health tips to increase immunity naturally:

  • Find ways to manage stress
    Are you busy handling various responsibilities and chasing deadlines? Being stressed all the time lowers your immunity. Take frequent breaks and find ways to cope better with stress.
  • Get adequate sleep
    Lack of sleep releases higher levels of stress hormones in the body and this can cause more inflammation in the body. A regular sleep cycle serves as the ideal time for the body to regenerate cells, repair any broken cells and organs, and thus boost your immune function.
  • Say No to smoking and drinking alcohol
    Excessive cigarette use and alcohol intake weakens the immune system and makes people more susceptible to lung infections. Furthermore, other substances generated during cigarette smoking, such as carbon monoxide and nicotine, have been shown to inhibit the formation of immunity-boosting cells.
  • Exercise regularly
    Exercise increases your resilience so you can fight off infection. Your body can function better when you are physically active every day.
  • Get enough sunlight
    Vitamin D is important for your immune system, and regular sun exposure can assist to enhance it. Take some morning sunlight every day to help strenhtne your immunity.
  • Meditation
    Even five minutes of guided meditation every day, or simply sitting quietly and concentrating on your breath, can help. Meditation helps relieve your anxiety and thus strengthens your immunity.
  • Preventive health checkup
    Regular health checkups help detect diseases early and start treatment early. This helps correct any irregularities with timely medical intervention and thus helps maintain your immunity.

Follow these healthy lifestyle tips to build a strong defence against any external pathogens, virus or bacteria. Stay healthy, stay safe.