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Women's Health: The Importance of Regular Check-ups

29/01/2024

Women's health needs are diverse and unique, underscoring the importance of regular check-ups as a fundamental component of proactive healthcare. Routine examinations play a pivotal role in addressing specific health concerns, preventing potential issues, and promoting overall well-being for women across various life stages. 1. Reproductive Health Women's reproductive health involves a complex interplay of factors, including menstrual health, contraception, fertility, and menopause. Regular health check-ups allow healthcare providers to monitor menstrual cycles, address concerns related to reproductive organs, and provide guidance on family planning, fertility, and hormonal changes associated with menopause. 2. Breast Health Breast cancer is a significant health concern for women. Regular breast examinations and mammograms are crucial components of routine check-ups. Early detection through screenings enhances treatment options and significantly improves outcomes in cases of breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of preventive care. 3. Pelvic Health Pelvic health is a vital aspect of women's well-being. Routine check-ups include pelvic exams to assess the health of the reproductive organs, screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and identify any abnormalities or signs of gynecological conditions. Regular examinations contribute to early detection and effective management of pelvic health issues. 4. Bone Health Women are more prone to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones. Bone density screenings during check-ups help assess bone health, enabling preventive measures to maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures, particularly as women age. 5. Cervical Health Cervical cancer is a preventable condition through regular Pap smears and human papillomavirus (HPV) screenings. Health check-ups for women include these screenings to detect abnormalities in cervical cells early, allowing for interventions that prevent the development of cervical cancer. 6. Cardiovascular Health Cardiovascular diseases impact women, and routine health check-ups assess risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall heart health. Early detection enables lifestyle modifications and interventions that contribute to cardiovascular well-being. 7. Mental Health Women may face unique mental health challenges, including mood disorders, anxiety, and postpartum depression. Regular health check-ups provide opportunities to discuss mental health concerns, receive support, and access appropriate interventions, fostering overall emotional well-being. 8. Hormonal Health Hormonal imbalances can affect various aspects of women's health, including menstrual regularity, fertility, and overall well-being. Health check-ups may involve assessments of hormonal levels, allowing for interventions and treatments to address hormonal imbalances and associated symptoms. 9. Lifestyle Counseling Women's health check-ups often include discussions about lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management. Healthcare providers offer guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing weight, and adopting habits that contribute to overall well-being. In conclusion, regular health check-ups are essential for addressing the unique health needs of women. From reproductive and gynecological health to cardiovascular well-being and mental health, routine examinations empower women to take charge of their health, prevent potential issues, and maintain overall well-being across various life stages. By prioritizing regular check-ups, women invest in their health and contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling life. To find out more about the health check-up services we offer, visit our check-up center. *Image by StockSnap Pixabay

Could cervical cancer really be a thing of the past by 2120?

13/02/2020

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2020, there will be around 13,800 new cases of invasive cervical cancer diagnosed and about 4,290 women will die from the disease. Nevertheless, cervical cancer has a lot of optimism surrounding t, with specialists and the World Health Organization (WHO) arguing that the disease could be eradicated completely in the next 100 years. The WHO says that by applying the right preventative measures, cervical cancer mortality rates could be lowered significantly. Now, two separate studies published in The Lancet contend that cervical cancer could become a distant memory by 2120. Both studies outline measures that should be taken by different countries to prevent cervical cancer. First, girls from low- and middle-income backgrounds should be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) – the top risk factor for cervical cancer. This would, the WHO says, avert an estimated 61 million cases of cervical cancer up to 2120. Furthermore, if individuals get screened for this type of cancer twice in their lifetime, its incidence can be reduced by 96.7%, and avert 2.1 million new cases. However, Prof. Marc Brissonco-lead of both studies from Université Laval’s Faculty of Medicine in Québec, Canada, warns that cervical cancer eradication can only be achieved with “considerable international financial and political commitment, in order to scale up prevention and treatment.”

Trois français sur quarte sont favorables à la vaccination !

06/07/2018

Les vaccins destinés aux nourrissons sont très rarement remis en question mais ceux contre la grippe saisonnière et l’hépatite B suscitent des réticences.               En 2016, trois Français interrogés sur quatre se sont déclarés favorables à la vaccination en général, selon une étude de Santé publique France rendue publique mercredi. L’enquête, menée en métropole en 2016 auprès de près de 15.000 personnes, montre toutefois que plus de 40% des personnes sont défavorables à une ou plusieurs vaccinations en particulier.               Alors que 90% des personnes interrogées étaient favorables à la vaccination selon les enquêtes de 2000 et 2005, elles n’étaient plus que 60% en 2010. La vaccination avait ensuite retrouvé ses lettres de noblesses en 2014, année où 79% des Français étaient convaincus de son intérêt. Cette confiance s’est légèrement érodée dans les deux années qui ont suivi, puisque 75% des personnes interrogées en 2016 ont déclaré être favorables à la vaccination. Seulement 2,4% de la population interrogée est défavorable à la totalité des vaccins, un taux stable depuis 2010.               La défiance, héritage des polémiques passées               La vaccination contre la rougeole, les oreillons et la rubéole (vaccin ROR), le BCG et la vaccination contre la diphtérie, le tétanos  et la poliomyélite (DTP) suscitent peu d’avis défavorables (moins de 2% des personnes). «Les réticences concernent très peu les vaccinations pour nourrissons, mise à part celle contre l’hépatite B qui cristallise encore des réticences», relève le Dr Christine Jestin de l’agence sanitaire Santé publique France qui publie ce numéro du BEH consacré aux vaccinations. Par contre, la vaccination contre la grippe saisonnière est celle qui recueille le plus d’opinions défavorables (15% de l’ensemble des personnes interrogées âgées de 18 à 75 ans), devant la vaccination contre l’hépatite B (13%) et celle contre les infections à papillomavirus (5,8%).               «En France, les différentes polémiques touchant certains vaccins au cours des deux dernières décennies - hépatite B en 1998, grippe A(H1N1) en 2009 et, dans une moindre mesure infections à papillomavirus humains (HPV) en 2013 - ont sans doute contribué à faire de la France un pays où l’innocuité des vaccins est mise en doute par la population», notent les auteurs de l’étude.               Une confiance variable selon le type de vaccin               Les avis défavorables à la vaccination contre l’hépatite B sont plus nombreux chez les 55-64 ans. «Le souvenir de la polémique autour des effets secondaires du vaccin contre l’hépatite B, qui avait notamment entraîné fin 1998 la suspension de la campagne de vaccination à l’école, pourrait expliquer ce résultat», indiquent les chercheurs. Concernant la vaccination contre les infections à papillomavirus humains, les réticences sont plus nombreuses chez les 18-24 ans, qui ont vécu la controverse de 2013. Les 25-34 ans y sont beaucoup plus favorables. «Il est possible que les femmes de cette tranche d’âge, qui ont commencé à bénéficier du dépistage du cancer du col, comprennent aussi beaucoup mieux les enjeux de cette vaccination», analysent les auteurs.               L’étude montre que la confiance dans les vaccins diffère selon l’âge. Ainsi, les personnes les plus favorables à la vaccination sont les 18-24 ans, tandis que les jeunes adultes (25-34 ans) comptent la proportion la plus importante de personnes qui y sont défavorables. L’adhésion à la vaccination diffère également en fonction de la catégorie socioprofessionnelle. En 2016 comme en 2010, les personnes les plus défavorables sont celles avec les niveaux de diplômes et de revenus les plus faibles.               Selon les auteurs, il est nécessaire de poursuivre «les efforts d’information et de pédagogie auprès de la population générale (...) pour que la vaccination demeure ce qu’elle a toujours été: une des meilleures interventions en santé publique pour améliorer la santé de la population.»                

Immunotherapy Cancer Drug a Potential 'Game-Changer'

11/10/2016

The European Cancer Congress has heard that an immunotherapy drug is a potential "game-changer" for cancer patients; especially those suffering with head and neck cancer. In one study of head and neck cancer, more patients taking immunotherapy drug nivolumab survived for longer compared with counterparts who were treated with chemotherapy. Another study found that when combined with another drug, nivolumab reduced the size of tumours in advanced kidney cancer patients. The findings of the studies are welcome news in the battle against head and neck cancer, which historically has a very poor survival rate. In a trial of more than 350 patients, the results of which were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, 36% of patients treated with nivolumab were still alive after one year, compared to 17% of chemotherapy patients. The immunotherapy patients also experienced far fewer side effects. However, the benefits of nivolumab were even more pronounced for patients whose tumours had tested positive for HPV (human papillomavirus). These individuals survived for 9.1 months on average, compared to 4.4 months for patients treated with chemotherapy. Professor Kevin Harrington of the Institute of Cancer Research and consultant at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, who led the head and neck cancer trial, said immunotherapy drug nivolumab could be a real "game changer" for patients with advanced head and neck cancer. "This trial found that it can greatly extend life among a group of patients who have no existing treatment options, without worsening quality of life," he said.

Cervical Health Awareness Month

27/01/2016

The United States Congress designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month, which is why we have decided to do a short piece on the disease. According to American Cancer Society research, cervical cancer used to be the number one cause of cancer death in the United States for women. However, thanks to increased awareness and regular screening campaigns, the number of deaths from cervical cancer has dropped by more than 50% over the past 30 years. But despite all the good work that’s been done so far to combat the disease, some 12,900 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in the US alone last year and over 4,000 women died because of the disease, which suggests that there is possibly more that could still be done to tackle this particular form of cancer. Cervical cancer is most common in women under the age of 50, yet very rarely occurs in women under the age of 20. Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) cause almost all cases of cervical cancer and 40% of these HPVs can be transmitted during sexual intercourse. Two specific types – HPV-16 and HPV-18 – are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases globally. Other risks factors for cervical cancer include: having a family history of the disease; a weakened immune system; long-term mental stress; and smoking. Taking contraceptive pills has also been found to increase a woman’s risk of cervical cancer. The importance of regular cervical cancer screening is highlighted by the fact that the disease presents very few symptoms in its early stages. Only when it becomes invasive do more noticeable symptoms start to occur, such as abnormal bleeding between periods and after sexual intercourse; heavy or prolonged periods; unusual vaginal discharge; and/or pain during sex. Official guidance from the US Preventative Services Task Force (UPSTF) says that women aged between 21 and 65 years old should undergo a Pap test every three years. So if you’re a woman you haven’t had a Pap test within the last three years, you should make an appointment with your appropriate medical physician as soon as possible.       Photo via: http://www.cancerbox.org/cervical-cancer

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