Women Health – Breast & Cervical Cancer

Definition & Risk factors:

Cancer is an insidious disease characterized by the uncontrolled (excessive) growth of dysfunctional cells of the body. Cancer can affect any body-part, but there are certain body-parts (organs) that are more affected than others.

In women age 35 – 54 years, two important organs that are most affected are the breast and the cervix. The breast, in women, is a special gland that develops around the time of puberty to be able produce milk.  The cervix is part of the female’s reproductive organs that also undergoes a lot of changes during puberty. It is a ring of tissue about 2-3cm long, attached at the opening or the lower part (neck) of the womb (uterus). During labor, it opens up to allow for the baby to be delivered.

The Female reproductive organs - cervix (2-3 cm long) is located between the vagina and the body of the uterus (womb).

The cells of the cervix and the breast undergo a lot of cellular changes/transformation during puberty and at pregnancy in the lifetime of a woman; therefore these cells are more vulnerable to cancerous changes.

Breast cancer is associated with positive family history (genetic risk factor) and other modifiable risk factors – fatty western diet, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and hormonal therapy. On the other hand, it is a known fact that most (95%) cervical cancers are caused by a sexually transmitted virus (Human Papilloma Viruses-HPV). The greatest risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with HPV during and around puberty through early (pre-pubertal/pubertal) unprotected sex.

Why is this relevant for woman?

In PNG and many other developing nations, access to and affordability of cancer services remains a major obstacle to the fight against cancer. Many women have died from both cervical and breast cancers due mainly to lack or absence of awareness, vaccination programs, screening services and limited treatment options. Knowing risk factors and information about these two cancers can greatly assist one to take simple steps to prevent the cancer or enable early detection and treatment, yielding a high probability of a successful treatment outcome.

What is the issue like in PNG and the World?

·         Cervical cancer accounts for 138,000 deaths in the Asia-Pacific region.

.         Breast and cervical cancers are in the top 5 leading causes of cancer deaths in PNG.

·         In PNG, 7.7% of women in the general population carry HPV-16 /18.

·         938 women are diagnosed with cancer of the cervix every year in PNG.

·         546 women die from cervical cancer in PNG annually.

·         Breast cancer accounts for 187 000 deaths in the Asia-Pacific region.

What are the preventive and control measures?

Many cancers, including breast and cervical cancers, can be prevented by living health lifestyles. These include:

1.      Avoid/Stop cigarette smoking.

2.      Reduce intake of fatty diet.

3.      Engage in regular physical activity – establish a regular exercise program.

4.      Keep your weight within your ideal body weight range.

5.      Minimise alcohol intake.

6.      Eat regular healthy, nutritious meal with adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables.

7.      Practise safe sex

8.      Minimise sexual partners.

9.      Get vaccinated against HPV.

Get regular screening for cervical and breast cancer.

1.      Pap smear is the most popular screening test used worldwide for early detection of cervical cancer. It is recommended that women between the ages of 21 and 65 years get a Pap smear screening every three years.

2.      Perform a regular breast self examination and see a doctor to make up a mammography screening schedule for you.

 

 This is a presentation I prepared to present as a toolbox talk at my work place. I wish it is informative and  helpful for the womenfolk who come across. The links on pap smear and breast self examination provide more insight into these two procedures for the lay person.