A Women’s body undergoes numerous changes during her lifetime. Menopause is one such phase which is a natural biological process marking the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle. The process starts in the mid-40s and 50s in most women characterised by symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, changing levels of oestrogen and progesterone and no menstrual period for about 12 months. It brings with it more than just hormonal and physical changes. In some cases, it may also raise concerns about cancer risks. It is important to realize that certain menopausal symptoms might mirror those of gynaecological cancers including uterine cancers, which are tumours that begin in the female reproductive organs.

Uterine cancer is the most common type of cancer that occurs in the reproductive system of a woman’s body when the healthy cells in the uterus begin to change and grow uncontrolled, forming into a mass or tumour. Uterine cancer is different from cervical cancer (cancer confined to uterine cervix) and is broadly of two types

1. Endometrial Cancer occurring in the endometrium or the uterine lining and

2. Uterine sarcoma in the myometrium or the muscle wall of the uterus.

Also Read: cervical cancer – early detection can lead to positive treatment outcomes 

Symptoms of uterine cancers are as follows:

1. Vaginal bleeding in between menstrual cycles before menopause

2. Vaginal bleeding or spotting post-menopause

3. Lower abdominal pain or cramping in pelvis

4. Thin white or clear vaginal discharge post-menopause

5. Extremely heavy and frequent vaginal bleeding if you’re older than 40

Causes

Uterine cancer may develop due to a number of reasons. The risk factors include:

1. Age: As you become older, your chances of getting uterine cancer rise. The majority of uterine malignancies develop after the age of 50.

2. Obesity: Some hormones are converted to oestrogen by fat tissue, increasing the risk of uterine cancer. The Higher the amount of fat tissue, the greater the effect on oestrogen levels.

3. Ovarian diseases: Certain ovarian cancers cause high oestrogen levels and low progesterone levels. These hormonal changes can increase the risk of uterine cancer.

4. Early menstruation: If you started having your period before the age of 12, your chances of developing uterine cancer are higher. This is because your uterus is exposed to oestrogen for a longer period of time.

5. Late menopause: Similarly, if menopause occurs after the age of 50, your body is exposed to oestrogen for a longer period of time which increases the risk of cancer.

Postmenopausal women are more likely to develop uterine and ovarian cancers. Abnormal uterine bleeding is the most prevalent sign of uterine cancer, which occurs in 75 percent to 90 percent of women with this type of cancer. It might be difficult to tell the difference between irregular bleeding and a typical menstrual period, especially during the menopausal transition.

Your risk of acquiring cancer rises with age. As a result of their age, women going through menopause have a higher risk of acquiring cancer. For women undergoing menopause beyond the age of 55 years old, the chances of uterine cancer are higher due to increased oestrogen exposure owing to longer menstrual period cycles.

Some safe and healthy ways to manage menopause symptoms include:

1. Exercising regularly

2. Reducing stress

3. Getting enough sleep

4. Avoiding hot flash triggers like coffee, tea alcohol

5. Quitting smoking

The chances of cancer risk before and after menopause can be considerably reduced by leading a healthy lifestyle, with small yet significant changes. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare expert in case any of the symptoms or changes are health are noticed in overall health.

Also Read: Viruses can cause cancer -Post Covid-19 scientific approach. 

Dr. Ajay Mehta

Director & Consultant Surgical Oncology

HCG Cancer Centre Nagpur

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Cancer occurs due to abnormal proliferation of cells in the body. The primary factor driving the formation of cancer cells is the mutation or alteration of the cell’s genetic material. Although cancer can occur in anyone, there are certain differences in the incidence of types of cancer between men and women. It’s important that the cancers are diagnosed when they are in nascent stage so that treatment could yield high cure rate and minimize morbidity associated with cancer.

Common cancers among women include:

1. Breast cancer: Screening in the form of mammogram is recommended to all women, to pick up the disease in nascent stages when the person is asymptomatic. The disease manifests as painless lump in the breast, skin changes, nipple discharge, and lump in the axilla. Diagnosis is made by imaging (diagnostic mammogram) and confirmed by a biopsy.

Also Read: Breast cancer : One in every five women in India carry anomalies in breasts 

2. Cervical cancer: Screening in the form of PAP smear is recommended to diagnose the condition in early stages. The disease manifests as irregular menses, intermenstrual bleeding (i.e., bleeding in between the menses cycle), bleeding after sexual intercourse, foul smelling vaginal discharge. The disease is initially identified by a PAP smear. Positive results are followed with colposcopy and biopsy.

Commonly occurring cancers irrespective of sex include:

1. Oropharyngeal cancer: Common among tobacco chewers. There’s no specific screening test. Disease is usually picked up by a routine dental and oral cavity exam. If symptoms arise, there could be painless ulcer, soreness of mouth, lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing. Diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy of the lesion.

2. Lung cancer: Usually arises in long term smokers. Symptoms include long standing cough, coughing up blood, weight loss and fatigue, chest pain, recurrent chest infections. Diagnosis is done by imaging of the chest and confirmed by a biopsy.

Also Read: Lung cancer : A significant risk factor is cigarette smoking

3. Prostate cancer: Usually asymptomatic in initial stages. Symptoms, if present include urinary urgency, urinary frequency, and pain during urination, passing blood in urine. Sometimes disease is diagnosed in advanced stage by which time, metastases would have occurred. The symptoms of metastases (distant spread) include bone pain (especially the back), swelling of legs, weight loss. If the disease is suspected, the doctor will suggest DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) to assess prostate, PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test, imaging in the form of MRI, and biopsy of the prostate.

4. Stomach cancer: Usually asymptomatic in initial stages. Symptoms start when the disease has already progressed. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, loss of appetite and weight, passing black coloured stools. Diagnosis is picked up by the endoscopy and is confirmed by biopsy. The patient may be subjected to imaging to stage the disease, so that management is planned accordingly.

5. Blood cancer: Common in men than in women. There are various types of blood cancers of which lymphoma is common. Symptoms include swelling of the lymph nodes, long standing fever, night sweats, bleeding from gums and weight loss. Diagnostic tests include blood film and visualization under microscope, blood counts and imaging studies. This is followed by procedures like biopsy of lymph node and/or bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Dr. Sudarshan S

Consultant Physician, Bengaluru

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The statistics in India about menstrual hygiene are alarming. Only 18% of the population has access to sanitary hygiene. Additionally, menstruation has been a taboo in India since the beginning of time. Many homes in India still follow the beliefs of the past that include not going to the temple or touching the pickle and some even don’t allow ladies to enter the kitchen when they are having their cycles. These beliefs are rampant in the urban areas as well and not just limited to villages.

Looking at the present state of sanitary hygiene amongst women in India and saddening stories about the removal of the uterus due to the menstrual tract infection of a 12-year-old does make the picture of this state clear. Today, there are millions of women in India who have no access to sanitary napkins because they are expensive thus choosing low standards of hygiene. Over 88 percent of women go for using cloth, ashes, or even husk during menstrual periods.

Adverse effects of poor sanitary hygiene:

1. Using unclean pads or cheap alternatives can lead to urinary infections, urinary tract infections, or fungal infections.

2. If you don’t change your pad for a long time it can cause vaginal yeast infections and rashes.

3. Using cloth and bigger size shapes can lead to rashes due to friction between the thighs.

4. Using the same pad for long can also lead to a bad odour.

5. Many of us don’t know that in an effort to keep the vaginal area clean, you tend to wipe and rinse frequently. This can lead to the bacteria from the pot reaching your body and causing infections of the urinary tract.

6. Many women think that having intercourse during a period is a good idea because there is no risk of getting pregnant. But, the fact is, it is risky because you are highly likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases like Herpes, Hepatitis B, or STD.

7. Not washing hands properly after touching sanitary napkins also leads to infections like Hepatitis B and that of yeast as well.

Poor Menstrual hygiene can also cause cervical cancer. India produces over 70,000 victims every year and is one of the top-ranking cancers in women in India.

Well, this is a problem that has a solution and as per the gynecologists in India awareness around menstruation through education is the key. There is a dire need to educate women on how using sanitary napkins can help prevent many infections and side effects besides maintaining body hygiene and shunning away from the blind beliefs and taboos around it.

Also Read: Educate girls and women on menstrual hygienic practices

Mrs. D.A. Kalpaja
Chairperson
Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre

The post Menstrual Hygiene – The Present Scenario and Adverse Effects appeared first on Health Vision.

Cervical cancer, one of the most prevalent malignancies in women, develops in the tissues of the cervix – the region in women that links the vagina to the uterus. The good news is that cervical cancer is often a slow-growing malignancy that may be easily diagnosed in its pre-cancerous stages with routine PAP testing and other screening procedures. Also, it is important to note that cervical cancer is roughly twice as common in women who smoke and have HPV as in non-smokers.

Changes (mutations) in the DNA of healthy cells in the cervix cause cervical cancer. Healthy cells develop and replicate at a certain pace before dying at a predetermined period. The mutations cause the cells to grow and duplicate in an uncontrollable manner, yet they do not die. The aberrant cells that are accumulating create a bulk (tumour). Cancer cells can infiltrate adjacent tissues and break out from a tumour to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Other risk factors include HIV, Chlamydia, smoking, obesity, a family history of cervical cancer, a low-fiber diet, birth control pills, having three full-term pregnancies, and being under the age of 17 when you first became pregnant.

Cervical cancer is often curable 

Typical cervical cancer symptoms include- atypical bleeding between periods, post sex, or after menopause, a difference in vaginal discharge than usual, pelvic pain, a need to pee more frequently, and pain when urinating. Cervical cancer is often curable if detected early. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy are the four major therapies. The goal of surgery is to get rid of as much cancer as possible. Surgery to remove the cervix and other pelvic organs may be required if the cancer is more extensive.

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses chemicals to destroy cancer cells all throughout the body. Radiation therapy is a form of cancer treatment that involves the use of high-energy X-ray beams to kill cancer cells. Bevacizumab (Avastin) is a newer drug that prevents the formation of new blood vessels, which aids cancer growth and survival. Precancerous cells in your cervix can be treated if discovered by your doctor. See what measures you may use to prevent these cells from growing cancerous.

What Does a Pap Test Result Mean?

A normal result suggests that no cell alterations on your cervix were discovered. This is positive news, but you will still require Pap exams in the future. Uncertain test findings are prevalent, such as equivocal, inconclusive, or ASC-US. An abnormal Pap test might indicate that you have cancer in rare situations.

A positive HPV test indicates that you have an HPV type linked to cervical cancer. This does not necessarily imply that you have cervical cancer, but it might be a red flag. To identify the next step, the precise HPV type can be determined. Your doctor may advise you to wait five years before having another screening test.

Steps to lower the risk:

1, Consult your doctor and undergo regular PAP tests every three years starting at the age of 21.

2. As a precaution, get an HPV vaccination. These vaccinations help in the prevention of cervical cancer and pre-cancers. Some HPV vaccinations are also approved to help prevent other forms of cancer, as well as anal and genital warts.

3. After the age of 30, undergo a PAP and HPV test every five years, as advised.

4. Talk to your doctor about stopping smoking if you smoke.

5. Consume nutritious, well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. 

Dr. Vijay Agarwal

Lead Consultant – Medical Oncology

Bengaluru

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Cervical cancer is becoming one of the emerging health burdens for womanhood. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer for women worldwide, but also one of the most preventable types of cancer. Most cervical cancer cases are caused by the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV).

According to the data released in 2018 by the HPV Centre, in India, cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer among’st women. It is estimate that about 160 million women between the ages of 30 and 59 years are at a high risk of developing it. HPV is very common and it would be interesting to know that many women having the Human Papilloma virus, may end up not developing it. Therefore it has a lot to do with environmental and lifestyle factors.

High number of women have cervical cancer:

It is seen that countries with low socio-demographic index have a high number of women traumatised by cervical cancer. Factors ranging from indulging in unprotected sex, sexually transmitted diseases, lack of hygiene during menstruation, chlamydia, a weak immune system, smoking, etc…could be the probable causes. In India, there is a social stigma surrounding pelvic examinations. Lack of regular screening, also has a huge role to play in order to arrest the early onset of the disease. As cervical cancer may take 20 years or longer to develop after an HPV infection, the best way to prevent this cancer is to get vaccinated and try to maintain proper intimate hygiene.

Development of cervical cancer is a step wise process by which localized cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia develops in the cervix and progresses into invasive and metastatic carcinoma forms. Growing evidence suggests that microbes, human papilloma virus (HPV), and the immune system interact closely with each other to govern homeostasis of the vaginal environment and the health of the lower genital tract of females. Beneficial vaginal microbial strains like lactobacilli plays a protective role in carcinogenesis of the cervix after HPV infection.

The female intimate area is delicate and is more prone to infections. It has an acidic pH  (range from 3.8 to 4.5), which helps to keep good bacteria (such as lactobacilli) healthy and bad bacteria in check There are various factors that may affect vulvar pH, including endogenous factors (e.g. humidity, sweat, vaginal discharge, menstruation, urine and fecal contamination, anatomical folding, genetics, and age) and exogenous factors (e.g. soap, detergents, cosmetic products, lubricants and spermicides, occlusion with tight clothing or sanitary pads, shaving, and depilation products).

Keep a check for women’s intimate health:

So alteration in pH increases the risk of vaginal infection. However, keeping the intimate area clean can help to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. It might not be able to prevent cancer completely but, proper hygiene practices can definitely reduce the chances of getting infected with the disease. This not only means keeping the area clean but also maintaining good intimate and sexual hygiene.

1.Keep dry all the time: There will be times where you can get invariably drenched in the rains. It is all the more impinging upon oneself to wear dry clothes, especially the inner wear that tend to get moist due to the added atmospheric moisture, since we tend to sweat a lot during this season. As wearing inner wear or lingerie made of synthetic fabric for long durations may retain moisture leading to irritation and friction, it is important to consciously choose natural and breathable fabrics.

2.Safe sexual practices: Studies have shown that women who have many sexual partners increase their risk of developing HPV and their risk of cervical cancer. And if you are sexually active, use a contraceptive every time for safety. Unprotected sexual intercourse leaves you at risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases that can increase the risk of getting HPV and greatly increase chances of developing precancerous changes of the cervix.

3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene: Frequently clean your intimate area to keep it free from microbial (bacterial and fungal) infection and odour. It is recommended to clean the intimate area twice a day, during morning bath and before bedtime. In the case of excessive sweating, it is better to clean and pat dry more often.

For cleansing the intimate area, always use specially designed intimate wash products that are safe with natural ingredients and free from harmful surfactants like Sodium lauryl sulphate. Feminine intimate washes are considered more appropriate for intimate health, particularly those containing lactic acid, with an acidic pH it helps to augment vaginal mucosal homeostasis and serve as a helpful adjunct therapy in women with vaginal infections.

4.Keep yourself hydrated: Drink plenty of water and liquids to keep the urinary tract flushed and healthy. Water helps to clears out toxins from the body and maintains body pH balance. Due to excessive sweating and inadequate liquid intake, one tends to lose body fluids and salts that could potentially lead to burning sensation during urinating and irritate the intimate area. If not attended to, this could be another reason for urinary tract infection.

5.Maintain a healthy food habit and avoid smoking: Avoid eating excessive spicy food, since acidic food can cause a pH imbalance. Smoking also increases risk of developing cervical cancer. Studies have shown that tobacco damages the DNA of cervix cells and contribute to the development of cervical cancer.

Increase the intake of food that are rich in pre and probiotics like plain yoghurt, onion, garlic, strawberry, green leafy vegetables and ayurvedic herbs like Guduchi, that helps to support the growth of healthy bacteria in the vagina.

Regular care and preventive measures in vaginal health ensure staying fresh and clean all the time. While in this season it is important to wash 3-4 times a day, and all the more care during menstruating. Try and avoid soap and water, as they tend to dry up the vaginal skin which is extremely delicate as well as ensuring a maintenance PH balance in the range of 3.8 to 4.5. The use of vaginal washes that balances the pH levels is therefore recommended however, ensuring that is free from harmful sulphates and chemicals.

Vaginal washes made of natural solutions that retain the layer good bacteria, which actually protects the vaginal area and kills bad bacteria are most apt. There are many OTC products fighting for space in the shelves, but it is advisable to be discerning and aware, so that you use the right product for your intimate hygiene.

Mr.Chintan Gandhi – CEO& Director

Millennium Herbal Care

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