Reproductive Cancer
Cancer, Causes and Prevention
What is cancer ?
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Benign Tumors: are not cancers and do not spread to other parts of the body. These tumors can usually be removed and are not moles or fibers that are more common in the female reproductive system.
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Malignant Tumors: are cancerous and can spread throughout the body and in the bloodstream. These cells grow uncontrollably, spread, and invade other tissues. It is therefore important to detect malignant tumors early on while they are still in the initial phases.
An Overview of Reproductive Cancers
What Causes Cancer?
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Unhealthy Eating Habits: Evidence suggests that nutrients found in some foods can block the progression of cancer, including fatty acids that are found in linseed oil and fish, which inhibit the growth of tumors. Repeated studies have shown that there is a strong association between consuming a large amount of plant foods and the reduction of cancer.
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Genetic Factors: Some families may find themselves predisposed to certain cancers based on their family’s health history. This is indicative of hereditary genes being carried and passed down by members of these families that may contribute to the occurrence of cancer.
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The Extended Use of Hormones: Many questions have been raised in regards to the relationship between hormone pills and an increase in the risk of a number of cancers, especially breast cancer in women.
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Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Smoking is a key factor for cancer of the lips, pharynx, esophagus, larynx and lungs. In all countries where reliable statistics are available, there has been a marked increase in deaths from lung cancer in recent decades.
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Exposure to Radiation and Chemicals: People living near transformers and power cables are more likely than others to develop cancer.
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Air, Water, and Food Pollution/Contamination: ___
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Lack of Exercise or Physical Activity: May lead to excessive obesity. Studies have shown a relationship between certain cancers (such as breast, uterine, and prostate cancer) and obesity.
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There is no single major cause of cancer but several factors, such as the following, can contribute to its likelihood to occur.
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Stress
Ways to Prevent Cancer
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Reduce eating fatty foods to avoid obesity
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Increase the proportion of fiber in food by eating a variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grains
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Reduce alcohol consumption
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Reduce the intake of smoked or salted preserved foods
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Refrain from eating non-natural or genetically modified foods
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Refrain from smoking
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Maintain personal hygiene to avoid infection
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Undergo periodic clinical and laboratory examinations
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Exercise regularly
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Reduce stress levels
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Avoid exposure to radiation
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Keep away from environmental pollutants and contaminants
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Symptoms and Signs of Breast Cancer
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Swelling of the breast or in the area between the breast and armpit
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Change in breast size and shape
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Change in color or feel of the breast
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Skin wrinkling, redness or inflammation around the breasts
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Change in shape of the nipple
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Pain, itching or peeling of the nipple
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Unusual secretions from the nipple (fluid or blood)
Methods of Early Detection
Self Breast Examination
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Menstruating women aged 20 and older: sevens days after the end of their period
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Women at the age of menopause and older: the first day of every month
Steps of a Self Breast Examination
Mammograms may be used for early detection of breast cancer and small tumors that would otherwise not be detectable and are free in Jordanian hospitals.It is important to note that pregnant women should not have mammograms as the radiation may affect the fetus.
Treatments include surgical, chemical and radiation therapy. Surgical treatment can include the removal of the ovaries, the uterus, the fallopian tubes, adjacent lymph nodes, and part of the lipid membrane in the pelvis surrounding the ovaries. The uterus is a pear-shape reproductive organ consisting of two parts: the upper part is called the body of the uterus and the lower part is called the cervix. The cervix opens to the vaginal canal. These are the most common forms of reproductive cancer in women after breast cancer and the main cause is human papillomavirus (HPV).
Both radiological and surgical treatments are available and some women may undergo both. In the early stages of the onset of the disease, radiation therapy may be sufficient to kill the cancer cells but in later stages, the full removal of the uterus may be required. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in men that produces seminal fluid and stores semen. It is located under the bladder in front of the rectum and surrounds the upper part of the urethra which is the tube that empties the urine from the bladder.
, or a change in direction.
a sign of a problem. Look
for any discharge in your bra or clothing, but do not squeeze the nipple or try to expel any secretions. Notify your health care provider if you notice any discharge.
the armpit, and up and forward toward your chest. Note any changes from previous self-exams.
where your blouse seam would fall (midaxillary line) to the bra line, the breastbone (sternum) and collarbone (clavicle). Then, repeat on the other side.
Ovarian Cancer
Cervical and Uterine Cancer
Prevention and Early Detection Methods of Uterine and Cervical Cancer
Prostate Cancer