Cancer occupies the fourth position in the mortality from cancer throughout the world.
Cancer is one of the main causes of death in the world – almost 10 million a year.
Thus, according to the world health organization, the most frequent types of cancer among men and women differ.
If men have it more often cancer of the lung, liver and so on, the opposite sex often suffer from “female” cancer. That is, mammary tumors and Oncology on the part of gynecology.
And only one out of five women could name her exact symptoms. What to go far, you yourself could name even one?..
Specialist in women’s Oncology Tracey miles, head of the British information service Ask Eve, debunks the myths surrounding this type of cancer, and talks about its major warning signs.
MYTH 1: women there are two types of cancer in “women’s part”: cancer of the cervix and ovaries
FACT: Gynaecological cancers cover all the genitals. Most common cancer of the cervix, but can also be a rare but no less dangerous cancer of the vulva (inner and outer labia), vagina, uterus and ovaries.
MYTH 2: Gynecological cancer only happens in older women
FACT: Not a fact. All types of cancer, including gynecologic, and though mainly found in older people, simply because of the “wear” of the body, however, there are cases when faced with this problem, and even women die of young age.
And if the diagnosis is “cervical cancer” most often placed women in the elderly, cases of vulvar cancer are not uncommon in young, in the UK, for example, the number of such cases since 2008 has increased by as much as 20 percent.
MYTH 3: Women’s cancer is a “silent killer” with no signs or symptoms
FACT: It is not. The truth is that many women simply accept them for temporary or other diseases. If not ignore.
MYTH 4: Cancer of the uterus may develop only after menopause
FACT: Nearly three-quarters of cases of cervical cancer occurs in women aged 40 to 74 years, and in most cases actually affect those who are already faced with menopause.
However, there are times when women find the tumor early. For example, this applies to cases of cancer, which is caused by genes and birth, for example, Lynch syndrome (or HNPCC).
MYTH 5: This cancer threatens more people with uncool behavior
FACT: This is completely untrue. A woman can fall ill with any kind of gynecological cancer even being a virgin. And the myth of the extended behavior might have arisen due to the fact that the vast majority of cases of cervical cancer is caused by HPV (human papillomavirus) which is transmitted including during sex.
And sex is not necessarily penetration, just intimate caresses to catch the virus.
And besides, there are more serious risk factors is age, Smoking, obesity, genetic risk, poor nutrition, a weakened immune system.
MYTH 6: PAP Smear cervical explores all gynaecological cancers, including ovarian cancer
FACT: unfortunately, this is not the case. This screening is designed to detect precancerous changes in the cervix, which if untreated can lead to cancer.
MYTH 7: I don’t need a test, if I’m a virgin
FACT: the Vast majority of cases cervical cancer is caused by HPV, which, as mentioned above, is transmitted, even if you had penetrating sex. That’s why every woman – no matter was it 30 men, or none – it is important to regularly visit a gynecologist and do examination.
But it is also important to remember that even though HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer, but not only, there are other risk factors.
And by the way, if you are diagnosed with HPV, it’s not a reason to escape to drown, sometimes the virus has the ability to place itself as the common cold.
MYTH 8: birth control pills may increase the risk of cancer
FACT: This may seem strange, but in fact, just the opposite. Use of such drugs may reduce the risk of developing other cancers, including uterine and ovarian cancer. Proved many times.
MYTH 9: Changes in appearance of the vulva are normal
FACT: At some point, every woman faces some changes in this area. For example, the vulva may become darker when a woman is sexually excited, or lose some of the roundness that happens with age.
However, if you notice any sores, nodules, red, white or dark spots on the skin, it must without delay make an appointment to see the doctor as some skin diseases of the vulva may be malignant.
MYTH 10: the Bleeding between periods is normal
FACT: There are several explanations why this may occur, for example, changes cause you are taking pills that cause hormonal changes. However, it does not supply the “score” for the problem, because it can be caused by not only pills. Very often unexpected vaginal bleeding is a symptom associated with all types of gynecologic cancer.
11 MYTH: the HPV Vaccine in childhood or adolescence may contribute to adolescent promiscuity
FACT: there is No direct connection between vaccination and sexual activity of man.
It’s just a vaccine for the prevention of cancer. And your child’s behavior – it depends on you and your education, not vaccination. Therefore, it is desirable that all young people were in the process of such vaccination.
But also it is important to understand that it does not protect against STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
