Today’s article takes a more somber note, but to live your life in style you need to live a LONG and HEALTHY life!
Take note and I encourage you to research further. Look for follow-up articles to with more information on nutrition. š
Now, onto the article by Rachel Alevy who is an account executive for Myriad Genetics (read: sells the drugs that cure these diseases).
WOMEN’S CANCERS:
Three things can drastically decrease your risk of cervical cancer:
1) Practicing safe sex
2) Getting regular pap smears
3) Being vaccinated against the disease.
Its important to note that theĀ cervical cancer vaccine (Gardasil) only protects against four strains of HPV (there are over 40 that cause cancer) so even if you’ve been vaccinated,Ā you’ll still need to go to the gynecologist for your annual exam.Ā Ā Remember, as with all STDs, HPV can be transmitted through any sexual activity, not just intercourse.Ā So theĀ bottom line is ALWAYS practice safe sex!
Ovarian cancer: is one of theĀ most deadly cancers to affect women.Ā Over 20,000 women are diagnosed with it each year, and in 2008, more than 15,000 women died from the disease.
Why does ovarian cancer have such a dire prognosis? Because mostĀ women don’t seek help until the cancer has begun to spread. As with any cancer, early detection is the key to survival.Ā Research suggests that theĀ combination of bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly and urinary urgency or frequency may be indicative of ovarian cancer, so if you notice these symptoms together, go to your doctor.
AĀ family history of breast, ovarian, colon, or endometrial cancer may put you at increased risk as well, so make sure to tell your doctor if these cancers run in your family.
Breast cancer: affects about 1 in 7 women, andĀ all women are at risk.
Leading a healthy lifestyle isĀ key to breast cancer prevention, as obesity, lack of exercise, and alcohol (more than one drink a day) can greatly increase a woman’s risk.
Additionally, there is a genetic component to breast cancer, so if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, you should discussgenetic testing with your doctor.
At ageĀ 20, all women should begin monthly breast self-examination (who better than you to notice changes in your body?) and at ageĀ 40, a woman should get her first mammogram.