|
|
Health
Womens 2
Smoking
Lung cancer is now a bigger killer of women than breast cancer. The risks
of coronary heart disease and other smoking-related illnesses are the
same for men as for women, but women smokers also have the added risks
of: an early menopause; a heart attack or stroke if they are on the pill;
and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Breast Cancer
One in twelve women will develop breast cancer during their lives, and
Britain has the highest mortality rate from this cancer in the world.
Check if you have a family history of the disease, childlessness, lifestyle,
and weight, and since there is also a possible link between the contraceptive
pill and breast cancer, make sure you know what pill you are taking and
what the possible effects are. As with men checking for testicular cancer,
women need to check their breasts for anything unusual, such as lumps
or tenderness. Women aged 50-64 can have mammograms free on the NHS once
every three years.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer kills 2,000 women in the UK each year, but because it
is treatable if detected early on 80% of those are avoidable. Certain
factors lead to an increased likelihood of cervical cancer:
- Failure to have a routine
pelvic examination and smear test
- Sexual intercourse at an
early age
- Infection with HPV
- Unprotected sex
- STD's such as chlamydia,
gonorrhea, herpes or syphilis
Women who are or who have been
sexually active should have a cervical smear test every three years. Even
women who have not been sexually active may want a smear test, as there
are non-sexual factors that can increase the risks of cervical cancer.
The test is a simple procedure and can be carried out by a GP, Practice
Nurse, or at a Family Planning Clinic.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Although the exact cause of the disease is not known, it is strongly associated
with the use of tampons, and it is thought that tampon use may cause a change
in the wall of the vagina, which makes it more predisposed to the production
of the toxin. Check what tampons you are using and don't forget to change
the tampon every 4-6 hours, especially if you're not menstruating or if
you have a bacterial or fungal infection. Symptoms of the syndrome are similar
to 'flu and include: high temperature; vomiting; diarrhoea; sore throat;
muscular pain; headache; neck pain; dizziness; fainting; and a rash. |
Womens 2