Less than half of women who contract cervical cancer are diagnosed at an early stage. Having regular screening tests and paying attention to any signs and symptoms of cervical cancer is the best way to avoid delays in diagnosis and improve your chances of surviving the disease.

“The best prevention for cervical cancer in women is screenings,” says Dr. Suzanne Schweikert. “Cervical cancer has very few symptoms – bleeding usually occurs late in the disease – which is why we screen all women. It’s the best way to detect any signs of cervical cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective.”

The following blog provides additional information about cervical cancer in women for self-awareness and preventative steps to ensure your best health journey.

What Causes Cervical Cancer

The main cause of cervical cancer is a long-lasting infection from certain types of human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus passed from one person to another during sex. Most sexually active people become infected with HPV at some point in their lives. However, for most women it usually goes away on its own. If not, it can cause cervical cancer.

Other factors can increase the chances of developing cervical cancer. Smoking tobacco can cause cancer anywhere in the body, including the cervix. Having HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and other conditions that weaken the immune system can also lead to cervical cancer.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early detection of cervical cancer greatly improves the chances for successful treatment. The best way to detect early-stage cervical cancer is to have regular screenings with the HPV and/or Pap tests to identify changes that could become precancer or cervical cancer. The HPV test looks for the human Papillomavirus that can cause cell changes. The Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, looks for precancers.

Both tests can be performed in a doctor’s office or clinic. If you have a low income or no health insurance, you may be able to get free or low-cost screening tests through CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Find out if you qualify.

When Should Women be Screened for Cervical Cancer

Paps are no longer done yearly for most women. The following schedule outlines the recommendations for Pap smear tests based on age:

• Age 21-30: Pap smear every 3 years
• Age 30-plus: co-test (Pap and HPV) every 5 years
• Age 65-plus: have an informed discussion with your provider when deciding if/when to stop.
• Frequency can change if a woman of any age has an abnormal Pap or a positive HPV screen

“The frequency of Pap and HPV testing depends on your age and past test results,” adds Dr. Schweikert. “If a woman was used to getting yearly Pap smears, she may be worried if we are no longer screening her as often. We need to reassure women that by adding the HPV test and taking their personal Pap history into account, we can better predict their risk of cervical cancer. It is no longer a ‘one size fits all’ screening but instead is based on their personal risk of cancer. Some women will get screened less often while others will need screening more often. This should prevent cancer better and results in less testing for women who do not need it.”

TrueCare provides Women’s Health services in San Marcos and Oceanside, in additional to primary care providers at many of our other locations in San Diego County and Perris.

It is important to note that a pelvic exam is not the same thing as a Pap smear. Sometimes women think they had a Pap test, when they really had a pelvic exam or STI screening. A Pap test involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix and is not routinely done at all pelvic exams.

Preventing Cervical Cancer

Regular screenings from an early age, not smoking cigarettes, and using condoms during sex can help prevent cervical cancer.

Vaccines for HPV can significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancers caused by HPV infections. They are most effective if received before exposure to the HVP virus. Doctors recommend getting the vaccination from age 11 through 26. Some adults get vaccinated to avoid new infections. However, if they have already been exposed to HPV, the vaccine will likely provide less benefit.

If you have a family member or friend aged 11 – 26 who did not receive the recommended HPV vaccines, encourage them to ask their provider about it!

The HPV vaccine is now available in both adult medicine and women’s health services and is covered by Family Planning, Access, Care and Treatment (Family PACT) and medical insurance for all women up to age 45.

“All women under age 46 should talk to their provider about getting caught up on this vaccine.” urges Dr. Schweikert. “One study showed that women with high grade dysplasia who got the vaccine had a lower recurrence rate, which suggests that the vaccine can help our immune system fight a previous HPV infection. This is extremely exciting, and we hope future studies will show similar results.”

What Is Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer occurs only in women. It begins in the lower end of the uterus (the cervix) and usually develops slowly over time. Cervical cells undergo a change, known as dysplasia, that causes abnormal cells to appear in the cervical tissue. If the abnormal cells aren’t destroyed or removed, they can become cancer cells that spread deeper into the cervix and surrounding areas.

There are two types of cervical cancers:

• Squamous cell carcinoma cancers develop from cells in the outer part of the cervix and make up 90% of all cervical cancers.
• Adenocarcinoma develops in glandular cells lining the inner part of the cervix and can easily spread throughout the surrounding tissues.

Cervical cancer that exhibits features of both types is called mixed carcinoma or adenosquamous carcinoma.

Symptoms and Signs of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer can be hard to detect because it typically doesn’t produce symptoms in the early stages. Instead, symptoms generally begin after the cancer has spread. When early-stage symptoms occur, they can include:

• Vaginal bleeding after sex or menopause
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Heavier or longer than normal periods
• Watery vaginal discharge with a strong odor or containing blood
• Pain in the pelvis or during sex

Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer can include the symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer and:

• Difficult or painful bowel movements
• Bleeding from the rectum when having a bowel movement
• Difficult or painful urination
• Blood in the urine
• Dull backache
• Swelling of the legs
• Pain in the abdomen
• Feeling tired

These symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cervical cancer. If you experience any of them on a consistent basis, see your doctor as soon as possible. Ignoring symptoms can delay treatment, make it less effective, and reduce the chances of survival.

Can Cervical Cancer Be Cured

Survival rates depend on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed. Cervical cancer is generally viewed as treatable and curable, particularly if it is diagnosed at an early stage. When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for patients with invasive cervical cancer is 92%. If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues, organs, or regional lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is 58%. Once the cancer spreads to a distant part of the body, the 5-year survival rate shrinks to 18%.

Treatment for cervical cancer consists of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of the three. Most early-stage cervical cancers are treated with a hysterectomy to remove the cervix, uterus, part of the vagina and nearby lymph nodes. However, the treatment can depend on the stage of the cancer, other health problems, and your preferences.

Difference Between Cervical Cancer and Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is sometimes mistaken for cervical cancer. Both are gynecologic cancers, but they occur in various parts of the female reproductive system and exhibit different symptoms.

Ovarian cancer develops in the fallopian tubes and moves to the ovaries on each side of the uterus. Symptoms can include:

• Swollen or bloated abdomen
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Pain or pressure or pain in the abdomen or pelvis
• Urgency or frequency when urinating
• Change in bowel habits producing constipation and/or diarrhea

Regular screenings can help detect this cancer at an early age and ensure you receive the proper treatment.

How to Get Screened

If you if you have not been screened for cervical cancer with a Pap or HPV test in the past few years, or are experiencing any cervical cancer symptoms, please schedule an appointment with a provider. as soon as possible. One visit could save the life of you or your loved one.

TrueCare offers a wide range of affordable services from primary care to behavioral health and chiropractic treatment! If you are looking for a provider in San Diego or Riverside County, TrueCare is your patient-centered medical home! Our providers are compassionate and care for your well-being.

Additional Resources:
American Cancer Society
Treatment options
U.S. cervical cancer statistics
Pediatric Immunizations at TrueCare

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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read on this website.

The post How To Protect Yourself from Cervical Cancer appeared first on TrueCare.

Benefits of  Midwifery Care

Midwives are experts in managing normal pregnancy and birth and in recognizing when complications requiring obstetrician care are needed. They focus on providing moms-to-be with physical, emotional, and psychological support throughout their pregnancies. Midwives spend more one-on-one time with each woman they care for, promoting wellness and  ensuring all questions and concerns  are addressed in pregnancy and during labor, birth and afterwards. This helps each woman feel confident in their ability to be the best mother they can be.

For moms who prefer a more natural, and holistic approach to childbearing and birth, a midwife is an excellent choice. Midwives consider pregnancy a normal event in a woman’s life, not a disease requiring medical treatment. Midwives take a comprehensive approach to prenatal care focusing on providing women with education about all the options in her care and then supporting her decisions. This may  include for example, choices about what kind of tests she may or may not want to have during her pregnancy, the use of pain medications in labor and how she wants to feed her newborn. Women are given the information they need to make the choices that are right for them.

In general, midwives are said to prepare women for the labor and delivery process better than any other care provider. The trust and confidence you build  getting to know  your midwives meant that  your needs and desires will be well understood long before you go into labor. In addition to the teaching at each prenatal visit, the TrueCare midwives will refer you to a birthing class, can help you prepare a birth plan, and find a care provider for your new baby. They can also help you get connected to  support groups with other new moms or with other women learning to breastfeed or struggling with postpartum depression.

Rest assured that the TrueCare midwives not only know when a mom-to-be needs additional medical support, they work in collaboration with the TrueCare team of board certified OB Gyns and local high risk maternal fetal medicine specialists to ensure that you get the safest care possible.

Benefits of a Midwife During Labor & Delivery

The labor and delivery process is where midwives really shine. Moms who choose midwives as their primary care provider may desire a natural, vaginal birth where few to no medical interventions are utilized unless absolutely necessary. Midwives are trained to assist moms with holistic pain management, natural relaxation techniques, optimal birthing positioning, and so much more. However, if you desire to have an epidural during labor or are in favor or certain medical interventions, midwives are prepared for that too.

The benefits of having a midwife oversee your labor and delivery also include a number of health benefits for mom and baby. A decreased cesarean rate, a lower rate of induction, a reduced rate of regional anesthesia, decreased infant mortality rates, decreased risk of preterm birth, and increased satisfaction with quality of care are just a few benefits of a midwife.

Midwives are the experts in normal birth. They recognize and use  medical intervention only when  absolutely necessary, so moms who use midwives during labor and delivery are less likely to experience unneeded interventions, such as episiotomy, birth by forceps or vacuum, and more. These medical interventions have been linked to  later health concerns, so having a midwife by your side during labor not only helps moms heal faster after delivery, but it also helps babies stay healthy in the early days and for years to come.

Benefits of a Midwife for Postpartum Care

The first few weeks as a mom can be overwhelming, to say the least. Between elation at meeting your new bundle of joy, extreme exhaustion, and rapidly changing hormones, being a new mom can be quite a whirlwind. Thankfully the ongoing support of midwifery care can help you manage all of this. TrueCare midwives offer more follow-up visits after your birth to review all the  physical, emotional, and psychological changes you are experiencing and to offer extra help for breastfeeding, postpartum depression or anxiety or any other issues that may come up. Six weeks after your baby is born your midwife can guide you through your options for birth control and family planning. All TrueCare midwives can prescribe and manage all birth control methods so that you can focus all your time and attention on your new baby without fear of a surprise pregnancy.

The benefits of a midwife are far-reaching. From the moment you find out you’re pregnant until weeks after your sweet baby is welcomed into the world, a midwife can play a big role in your life, as well as your overall health and wellness and that of your child. If you select an TrueCare midwife for your prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care, you are sure to have a great experience and feel as confident and equipped as possible when it comes to birthing your baby and becoming a mom. Get in touch with TrueCare today to find a midwife near you.

The post Benefits of Working with a Midwife for your Pregnancy & Birth appeared first on TrueCare.

Top 5 Foods to Eat While Trying to Conceive

The truth is, if you are fertile, and if the timing is right, you can get pregnant no matter what you do or don’t eat. But, if you eat the following list of foods when trying to conceive, you can help increase fertility and the vitamins and minerals in the foods will help to keep you and your baby healthy.

Folic Acid

This vitamin has been proven to reduce a baby’s risk of neural-tube birth defects, such as spina bifida, and it is linked to a lower incidence of heart attacks, strokes, cancer and diabetes. You can take a supplement or prenatal vitamin to increase your intake of folic acid. In addition, you can eat folate-rich foods, such as dark green leafy vegetables like spinach or kale, citrus fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains and fortified breads and cereals.

Omega-3s

Omega-3s are important for a baby’s brain and eye development and have many other pregnancy-related benefits, including lowering your risk of preterm birth, reducing your chance of preeclampsia and easing depression. It’s important to get omega-3 fatty acids from foods because your body doesn’t make them. To get the most omega-3s out of your food, eat cold water fatty fish like salmon, tuna or sardines.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that women trying to conceive can safely eat up to 12 ounces a week of low-mercury fish, such as shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon or catfish. The FDA has posted a full list of pregnancy safe fish on their website.

Dairy

Adding dairy to your diet is good for bone health but is essential for preparing your body for pregnancy because you’re getting calcium and protein. To increase your chances of getting pregnant, try switching to full-fat dairy products: one study found that women consuming a serving of full-fat milk each day decreased their chances of a certain kind of infertility, according to a New York Times article.

Fruits and Vegetables

Pineapple is loaded with beta-carotene (which helps keep your hormones in check and prevents early miscarriage) and contains a substance called bromelain, which has been shown to mildly support implantation through its anti-inflammatory properties.

Other fruits and vegetables that include a healthy dose of beta-carotene include carrots, cantaloupe, leafy greens and sweet potatoes. When choosing which fruits and vegetables to eat be sure to choose ones in a variety of colors. Fruits and vegetables provide a lot of essential nutrients and antioxidants which can help decrease inflammation in the body.

Drink Lots of Water

Water plays a key role in moving hormones throughout the body. It also helps thin out cervical mucus, which may make it a little easier for your partner’s swimmers to get to their goal. Keeping your body hydrated is essential because water carries oxygen and nutrients to your cells, tissues and organs.

Knowing what to eat when trying to get pregnant can help you in your journey to conceive. The bottom line is that eating a nutritious, balanced diet may help fuel your fertility through food and, if you do become pregnant, it will give your baby the healthiest start!

How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting Pregnant?

While changing your diet alone may not be enough to help you get pregnant immediately, it certainly will increase chances of pregnancy for most women. If you’re not already doing it, tracking your ovulation and menstrual cycle can help you time things right to up your odds of conceiving. You can do this on your own by checking your basal metabolic temperature and charting changes that often line up with ovulation. You can also utilize an ovulation predictor kit for at-home use. You may also wish to talk to your doctor about blood hormone tests or ovarian ultrasounds to perfectly pinpoint when you ovulate and therefore when the best likelihood of conceiving will be.

If you’re still wondering how to increase chances of pregnancy and wish to do it more naturally, you should consider chiropractic care. While chiropractors focus primarily on the spine, chiropractic adjustments impact every area and system of the body because the spine houses the spinal cord, through which all major messages from the brain travel. The health and function of reproductive organs and systems are linked to the health and alignment of the lumbar spine, so while it isn’t a foolproof or guaranteed method, getting adjusted by a local chiropractor can help to increase chances of pregnancy.

Trying to Get Pregnant? TrueCare Can Help

Whether you are just facing infertility for the first time or you have been on your journey for a while, know that you are not alone. If you find yourself constantly wondering and researching, “How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant?” turn to TrueCare for help. Our conveniently located clinics are all over North County and our teams of doctors are here to help you. Our comprehensive care includes access to a wide variety of specialists, and we can assist you in finding new ways to increase fertility and improve your overall health to prepare to carry a baby. Find a Women’s Health location near you today.

The post How to Increase Your Chances When Trying to Conceive appeared first on TrueCare.