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BE – AWARE: CERVICAL CANCER

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Recently, I received a call from a friend whose aunt complained of post-menopausal bleeding. My first thought was could it be ‘cervical cancer’ but, I did not voice my concern, instead asked her to take her aunt for a PAP SMEAR Test.

Unfortunately, the results indeed matched my concern. She was diagnosed to have Cervical cancer. This was not the first time that I had come across a case of Cervical Cancer as the numbers have been on the rise for the last decade.

According to a study titled Epidemiology of cervical cancer with special focus on India, every year in India 1,22,844 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 67,477 die from the disease. India has a population of 432.2 million women aged 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cancer. It is the 2nd most common cancer in women aged 15–44 years.

(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4404964)

As per world statistics, India’s contribution to cervical cancer cases is 25.4%.  Majority of the Indian women diagnosed with cervical cancer have never been screened for the disease and around 70% of these cases present in advance stages due to absence of any organized cervical cancer screening program. The most important risk factor for development of cervical cancer is persistent infection by a high-risk subset of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Cervical cancer being the third most common cancer in the world, very little is known about it among the masses.

What is cervical cancer? 

Cervical cancer is a disease that develops very slowly and begins with the precancerous condition known as dysplasia. Dysplasia is easily detected in a routine pap smear and is treatable.

High risk
1)Sexual history- has had multiple sexual partners OR established sexual relations before the age of 18 OR has a partner who has had sexual contact with a woman with HPV infection.
2) Smoking
3) Weakened Immunity
4) Giving birth at very young age
5) Long-term use of contraceptive pills
6) Family history

You need to look out for these signs

1) Bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods.
2) Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or pelvic exam.
3) Menstrual periods that lasts longer and are heavier than before.
4) Bleeding after completingMenopause.
5) Increased vaginal discharge.
6) Pelvic pain

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, kindly consult your Doctor at the earliest.

Prevention:

As we know Prevention is better than Cure especially for any cancer, creating awareness becomes the first step towards that milestone.

Lifestyle plays an important role in the prevention of cervical cancer. Foods that are rich in Flavonoids (apples, black beans, broccoli, cabbage, garlic, onion, soy, and spinach), Folate (Avocados, strawberries, oranges, lentils) and Carotenoids (Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin) are seen to reduce the chances of cervical cancer.

Other than diet make sure you follow the below habits to keep Cervical cancer at bay;

  1. Regular Screening (PAP SMEAR) post the age of 30
  2. HPV vaccine (most effective when administered before start of sexual intercourse)
  3. Practising Safe sex
  4. Avoid Multiple sexual partners
  5. Delaying first sexual intercourse
  6. NoSmoking

There is an HPV Vaccination that is certified by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). 2 doses of either of the two HPV vaccines for adolescent/pre-adolescent girls aged 9-14 years is recommended. However, this vaccination is optional. One should consult a Gynaecologist to know more about the vaccine and how it helps.

It is always better to be safe than sorry and as we have now seen. Being safe is the best way to prevent Cervical cancer.

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Pregnancy- Not by Chance!

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Whether it is shopping for groceries, clothes, perfumes, appliances etc., we are extremely choosy and want to go for the best. There is no doubt in the fact we would not want to compromise for anything that is not up to the mark. But, sadly, I find that same is not the attitude when it comes to our own body. Whether it is taking care of our body to be fit and healthy or whether it is to take care of it prior to planning a family.

It is very important to realize that one of the pre requisites to conceive a healthy baby is that both the father and the mother must be in the best of health and there are no two ways about it.

Holistic preconception is about nurturing the mind/ emotions, body and spirit to create the most ideal environment for creating and cultivating life. While, much attention is placed on the mother’s health, we know that the health of the sperm is equally important as that of the egg and womb. Precisely why both egg and sperm should be addressed with the intention of increasing fertility and minimizing exposure to toxins.

Prior to starting, both the parents should undergo a complete health check-up (e.g. Medical history, Genetic history, Blood tests- to check for thyroid levels, hemoglobin, Vitamin B12 & Vitamin D, folic acid, Blood sugars). If any medical condition is detected prior, it will only help to correct the situation before conception and reduce the risk of complications in pregnancy like gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, thyroid disorders and anemia.

Start the regime mentioned below, three months prior to your planned conception and continue it till you conceive.

How to prepare for a healthy conception-

  • Diet– Diet should include folic acid rich food. Folic acid plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and helps baby’s neural tube develop into a brain and spinal cord.

e.g. Vegetables-Cluster Beans (Gavarfali), Spinach (Palak), Lady Finger, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Beetroot, French beans.

  • Curds
  • Cereals/pulses
  • Dry fruits- Walnuts (2), Almonds(4)

Eat unrefined, fresh and homemade food as much as possible.

  • Exercises

Exercise is one of the most important aspects of keeping your body healthy. All exercises improve the blood flow to the pelvic organs, including the male and female reproductive organs which is beneficial to conceiving. (http://goqii.com/blog/excercises-pre-pregnancy-a-good-start-is-half-done/).

Remember  “A mother’s health has direct correlation with her baby’s health” , so the earlier you start, the better.

  • Lifestyle

Stop smoking.  Avoid alcohol completely.  Avoid drugs – both pharmaceutical drugs for chronic conditions and recreational drugs.  Avoid caffeine. Avoid exposure to X-rays and Radiations.

  • Stress

Relaxation techniques – Meditation, massage, or Yoga have been known to help people with stress.

Express your thoughts and worries to your spouse, this will eventually strengthen the bond between the couple & always think positive.

  • Hydration

Water is the simplest method of detoxifying and 2-3 liters are recommended daily.

  • Stopping contraception

Stop hormonal pills and remove intrauterine device (IUD) if any, about 3 months before conception is planned. Use a barrier method (like condom) at this time. Allow a minimum of one normal menstrual cycle between stopping contraception and conception.

  • Dental care

If there are any dental problems (e.g. cavity) get it treated before you conceive. Oral infections are associated with premature labor.

A happy healthy mother is equal to happy healthy baby. Martin Luther once said, “Maternity is a glorious thing, since all mankind has been conceived, born, and nourished of women. All human laws should encourage the multiplication of families”.

May this amazing journey of parenthood begin in a holistic healthy way.

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What is contraception?? Birth control or fertility control

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Why or how does it play such a major role in the betterment of a society? I have a little story to share. Like all women, my friend was also super excited about her wedding. It was the perfect match, the man was perfect with a well-paying job, loving family and most importantly he was a man with a heart of gold. Are you wondering how our discussion on contraception fits into the scheme of this here?

Let me explain. Here’s what happened! Couple of days before their big day, my friend’s to be husband made it very clear to her that he does not want to use any contraceptive. But, he did not want a child for a year at least. And, that he also did not want her to use a barrier method of contraception (female condoms) either! The other conditions laid down by her to be partner was also that she had to lose weight and remain slim for the rest of her life. This is kind of a heard story right? It does not come as a surprise.

Now, my friend was in atotal fix. There were so many terms and conditions and unfortunately she had no say in the matter. It was told to her and she had to follow it. She was not very keen on OCPs (Oral Contraceptive Pills) given their side effects like weight gain, nausea, sore or swollen breasts, lighter or heavy periods, mood changes, abdominal pain and headaches. So what other option was she left with?

IUCD (Intrauterine Contraceptive Device)-It is a small contraceptive device, often ‘T’-shaped, containing either copper or levonorgestrel, which is inserted into the uterus. They are one form of long-acting reversible contraception which are the most effective types of reversible birth control.

Was my friend aware that it is not advisable to use IUCDs unless you have conceived at least once? Nope! She wasn’t aware nor did she take any medical advice. So just to keep her husband happy, she opted for IUCD.

What happened next?!!

She started having adverse effects like excessive bleeding during menses, abdominal pain, and loss of weight and before we knew it, she looked under nourished.

What led to all this? Who was to be blamed? Was it the girl’s fault?  Or was it her husband, who had the notion that using a barrier method reduces the pleasure or the basic psyche that the girl must to do all that pleases her husband irrespective of what the consequences could be. I would say all three and most importantly it’s the lack of knowledge about contraception.

I am saddened by the thought that some people still think contraception is unnecessary as it decreases libido and that it’s a taboo. Well, trust me folks it is not so. When one uses contraception, they can avoid unwanted pregnancies and space planned pregnancies to promote optimal birth outcomes.

When a pregnancy is planned, one can start prenatal care, including increasing their intake of folic acid; work with the gynecologists to address relevant medical conditions, as well as substance abuse; and take other steps that lead to healthier outcomes for both the mother and the infant.

Pregnancies that are unplanned are more likely to be affected by delayed prenatal care, maternal depression, low birth weight, poorer childhood physical and mental health, and other complications. Breastfeeding rates are also lower after unintended pregnancies. We should also remember that most of the unintended pregnancies end in abortion, which affects both the parents psychologically and affects the mother physically.

When you look at the facts, contraception is a smart public health policy.

Of course, for some women, birth control is essential for other health reasons, including acne, fibroids, and endometriosis and to reduce problems associated with irregular or very heavy periods.

There are several methods of contraception:

Natural Family Planning (NFP): Couples can use NFP techniques like the rhythm method, basal body temperature, or the cervical mucus method to try to pinpoint when a woman is ovulating (fertile). To prevent pregnancy, sexual intercourse is to be avoided around the time of ovulation.

Other methods include barrier method (condoms), OCPs, IUCDs.

Remember, contraception plays an important role in the well-being of the family and the society as a whole.

Finally, don’t forget to consult your gynecologist for advice on the right Contraceptive method for you.

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Foods for Breast Cancer Prevention

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Healthy eating is not something doctors of today promote among their patients to overcome their illness. Making couple of changes in the food and lifestyle can be more beneficial and helpful rather than undergo some life threatening treatments like Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. One can lower their risk for breast cancer by reaching for the right foods. A woman can cut her chance of cancer by good nutrition and weight management.

Let us look at some of the foods that can help

Broccoli

Sulforaphane—a compound in broccoli—reduces the number of breast cancer stem cells (which cause cancer spread and recurrence). Eating broccoli may not deliver enough sulforaphane to achieve the same effect, but to get the most you can eat your broccoli raw or briefly steam or stir-fry the green florets.

Salmon

Taking fish-oil supplements for at least 10 years can shrink your risk of ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer. Omega-3 fats in fish oil reduce inflammation, which may contribute to breast cancer. A person can eat about 8 ounces of oily fish (salmon, sardines, tuna) a week.

Walnuts

Walnuts may thwart the growth of breast cancer. Experts think walnuts’ anti-inflammatory properties—which could come from the omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid, phytosterols or antioxidants—may give them their tumor-fighting potential.

Olive Oil

It has been found that the olive oil’s antioxidants and oleic acid (a mono-unsaturated fat) quelled growth of malignant cells.

Plums & Peaches

Plums and peaches have antioxidant levels to rival “superfood” blueberries—and that they contain two types of polyphenols (antioxidants) that may help kill breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.

Aloevera Juice

Aloe Vera contains at least 6 natural ingredients which act as ´anti-inflammatory agents, reducing inflammation, one of the precursors to cancer. Ingredients to make juice– 3Leaves of Aloe Vera + 50gm Honey + 50 gm Brandy.

Method- Peal the thorns of Aloe Vera after cleaning it nicely and grind it. Mix honey and Brandy. Shake well and store it in a Refrigerator in a glass bottle. Drink 1-2 teaspoon empty stomach.

Graviola Extract– Although graviola has some side effects but it is a boon for cancer patients. Consuming the fruit once a month is the best way to avoid the side effects.
Nutrition and Cancer confirms the cancer- inhibiting phytochemicals in graviola. Scientists at Virginia Tech demonstrated that graviola fruit extract (juice) could reduce the growth of cancer on the skin of breast cancer patients without damaging healthy breast tissue. It can lead to Parkinson’s disease but eating in moderation has no such side effects.

Flax seeds –Flax demonstrates antiproliferative effects in breast tissue of women at risk of breast cancer. Increased cell death (apoptosis) within their tumors.

Wheat Grass– Due to its potent detoxifying properties, wheatgrass works to keep the blood clean and oxygenated as well as increase the red blood cell count. Cancer thrives in a low-oxygen environment, so the wheatgrass contributes to cancer prevention. Also it improves circulation, digestion, reduce fatigue, and boost immunity.

Beans and lentils– Fiber-rich foods help flush excess amounts of estrogen out of your body during digestion. Your gut also breaks down fiber itself into cancer-fighting fragments.

Cur Cumin Tablets– Cur cumin has the ability to modulate genetic activity and expression—both by destroying cancer cells and by promoting healthy cell function. It also promotes anti-angiogenesis, meaning it helps prevent the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth.

Vitamin C, A, E and Selenium (Se)

Vitamin C’s anti cancer properties are scavenging cancer causing free radicals such as hydrogen peroxide to prevent lipid peroxidation, neutralizing carcinogenic chemicals, enhancement of immunoglobulin IgA, IgM etc. Se antioxidant property protects the body against environmental and chemical sensitivities and their immune functions enhance the body’s antibacterial and antiviral defences.

Vitamin E is effective in decreasing the risk of colon cancer and inhibits breast cancer tumors, reducing the severity of liver cancer and also restoring the cellular immune system. Vitamin A and carotenoids antioxidants and immune stimulatory property have developed synergistic cancer treatment application.

 

 

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