Cancer Prevention
Gynecologic cancer affects more than 100,000 women each year. The team Satyam Hospital takes steps to regularly screen patients for gynecologic cancer because the earlier that cancer is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin a woman’s chance of survival increases greatly.
What are the common Gynaecologic Cancers?
Gynecologic cancer is a type of cancer that grows on your sexual or reproductive organs. Types of gynecologic cancers include Cervical, Breast, Uterine, Ovarian, Vulvar, and Vaginal.
All women are at risk of gynecologic cancer, and your risk increases as you get older. As a preventive measure, we regularly screen for gynecologic cancers at Satyam Hospital for early detection and treatment.
All women are at risk of gynecologic cancer, and your risk increases as you get older. As a preventive measure, we regularly screen for gynecologic cancers at Satyam Hospital for early detection and treatment.
How common is Breast Cancer and how can we detect it earliest?
1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. But with early detection, the five-year survival rate is almost 100%.
Measures for early detection of Breast Cancer:
- Breast Self-Awareness: We encourage you to develop a general awareness of how your breasts look and feel and report any doctor changes. Changes could include a new lump or mass, skin dimpling, swelling, redness, or abnormal nipple discharge.
- Clinical Breast Exams: Beginning at age 40, we recommend getting an annual breast examination by a Gynaecologist.
- Mammography: All women should have a mammogram at least once every 1-2 years beginning at age 40. If you’re at high risk for breast cancer (if breast cancer runs in your family or any other predisposing factors), you may need to start having mammograms at an earlier age or get checked more often.
What is Mammography?
It’s a machine that uses low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast used as a diagnostic and screening tool. The goal is to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Like all X-rays, it uses doses of ionizing radiation in a very minimum amount to create images. These images are then analyzed for any abnormal findings.
What is Cervical Cancer and how do you screen for cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix(The lowest portion of the uterus), most commonly caused by infection of various strains of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It’s the leading cause of gynecologic cancer death in Indian women. Still, with advances in screening and treatment, gynecologists can detect changes in cervical cells early to improve your health and outcomes.
We use two simple tests to screen for cervical cancer:
We use two simple tests to screen for cervical cancer:
- Pap test(Conventional or liquid-based cytology-LBC)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) test
In the Pap test, cells from your cervix are collected either on the slide or in specialized liquid and then tested to view for abnormalities. An HPV test checks if you have this common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can cause cervical cancer.
How often should I have a Pap smear?
Having regular Pap smears is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent advanced-stage cervical cancer. For healthy, low-risk women between the ages of 21 and 65, Pap tests are generally recommended every three years.
At the age of 30, many women can opt to continue having a Pap test every three years or start having a combined Pap/HPV test once every five years.
If you’ve had abnormal Pap results or previous cervical cancer diagnosis in the past, however, you may require more frequent Pap tests.
At the age of 30, many women can opt to continue having a Pap test every three years or start having a combined Pap/HPV test once every five years.
If you’ve had abnormal Pap results or previous cervical cancer diagnosis in the past, however, you may require more frequent Pap tests.
Who should get the HPV vaccines to prevent cervical cancer and how many doses?
HPV vaccines are licensed for use in females aged 9-45 years; however, the preferred target age group is 9-14 years. It is highly recommended for girls and women aged 13 to 26 years who have not yet been vaccinated.
Girls who start the vaccine series before their 15th birthday need only two doses 6 months apart to be fully protected. After 15 years of age, 3 doses are recommended.
Girls who start the vaccine series before their 15th birthday need only two doses 6 months apart to be fully protected. After 15 years of age, 3 doses are recommended.