The Cervix of 21st Century Woman

Social Studies Madam: (smiles) Today's topic is about reproductive health but we will only tackle the female reproductive system.

Students:(shouting, excited and hitting the desk as a sign of happiness) Madam, just continue. We are more than readyyyyy!!

Students get excited about this topic "Human Reproductive System" but nobody knows what makes the other student excited. In my previous piece, I discussed about the breast. Let us have some discussions on cervix. Cervix is the lower end of the uterus (womb). The cervix connects  the upper part of the womb with the vagina. It is the point of impact of all thrusting that takes places during intercourse and suffers bruising constantly.

Always remember that early treatment saves life. Below are some possible outcomes when cervical cancer is not treated early:
1. A woman can become barren if she does not treat it early. Huh ! That is scary.

2. Cervical cancer can mean an end to sex. Aww ! Sex is a need for married couples and a want to unmarried people. Kindly read on, there's no need to argue.

3. Cervical cancer is most likely to spread to other parts of the body when it is not treated early.

Female Reproductive System
Credit: National Cancer Institute.

Cancer is a group of disease in which abnormal cells in the body divide and grow out of control. Cancer cannot be traced to a particular cause however some factors are known to cause cancer.

Symptoms
1. Abnormal Vaginal bleeding                       3. Discomfort during urination.

2. Vaginal discomfort                                     4. Foul-smell from the reproductive organ(female)

                                          5. Malodorous discharge.



Risk factors for Cervical Cancer
1. Vaginal infection with high-risk HPV types

2. Smoking.

3. Having HIV or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems.

4. Using birth control pills for a long time( more than 5 years)

5. Having given birth to 3 or more children.


Posterity, this means an early detection can save a life. The speaker at the conference, Dr. Francis D. Dickson,, CEO of Nova Surgery Centre, explained that it is difficult to know the exact cause of cancer, however certain changes in cells lead to cancer. He outlined them as;
1. Acquired changes in cells, causing cancer (like HPV), are due to environmental factors and things people do (like smoking). In dietary factors, "Tobacco use accounts for 6% cancer deaths in Africa"- Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa: Current Practice and Future. Page 12.

2. Cell changes may also be inherited or passed from parent to child through genes.

Daniel and Katherine

Meet Katherine Berkoh, an endometriosis patient who shared her story at the conference. She is currently running Endometriosis Charity Organization Ghana. For more education on endometriosis contact her on +233-302-311-442,+233-249-750-561,+233-507-368-356.

There's more to know as a woman.

Dr. Francis explained that HPV is the necessary cause for cervical cancer is endemic in Africa. Among the factors which will increase both acquisition and spread of HPV are; early marriage, polygamous marriage, high parity, level of awareness and poverty.

Preventions

1. Vaccination against HPV                  3. Condom use

2. Abstinence - monogamy                  4. Screening and treating other STDs

                                     5. Screening and treating Dysplasia.

NB: It is only gynecologic cancer that can be prevented with screening.

Cervical cancer is only curable when it is detected early before stage 2. 

Stay strong and healthy.

The Breast of The 21st Century Woman.

Sucking breast is a nice feeling which cannot be underestimated. For example, a baby's composure in folding, holding and sucking the breast confirms it. 

Lets hail the breast, for it has been a life saver to you after birth.At various stages in life, the breast plays significant roles. Well, what the older folks do, is not my business however they need to be educated. Stop staring at me with those eyes. Sex life is a private affair. Agreed?

As ladies grow, their breast become useful to their children and the "other party". Ironically, men deliberately renamed their breast as "chest". Men and women can be affected by breast cancer, however studies reveal that women are at a higher risk of being breast cancer victims.

Structure of the breast.

Posterity, ladies become excited on the first day they wear their brazzier. The feeling is ............. I am not fabricating, just ask them. Well, some became confused about the type and size of brazzier that they should buy. 


Come closer and whisper into my ear if you remember your first brazzier's colour and size. Also, every lady has a "unique" brazier she likes to wear for a good day. Today, I seem to be a breast expert, Posterity.

Breast cancer begins in the breast tissue that is made up of glands for milk production, called lobules, and the ducts that connect the lobule to the nipple. In developing countries, breast cancer have been reported to be treated at the last stage due to negligence and illiteracy of breast  cancer. Until you learn more about your breast, you will lose it with no compensation.

Posterity, let me share some insights from a women's conference I participated which was organized by Benekie Foundation.

The image below shows the types of breast cancer.

Symptoms of breast cancer include;

1. A painless lump in the breast or armpit area.

2. Bloody discharge from the nipple

3. Changed in the shape or texture of the nipple or breast.

4. Changes in the breast size or shape.

5. Itchy breast.

6. Pain around upper back, shoulder and neck area.

NB: It is not every lump in the breast that indicates a sign of breast cancer. However, you need to visit  the hospital for mammography. Mammography is the screening and detection of breast cancer when patients show its symptoms.

Cancer cannot be traced to a single factor hence there is a need to take preventive steps to save lives. Among the causes of breast cancer are;

1. Previous radiation theraphy

2. Vigorous sucking of the breast by adults.

3. Untreated boils (abscess) or cracked nipples.

4. Enlargement of breast surgery.

5. Squeezing the breast very hard causing pain.

6. Other genetic factors- smoking. alcoholism.

7. The type of brazziers

"Click here" to view a power point presentation on breast cancer.

Photo Credit: Google and Benekie Foundation.

“Subsequent Drugs You Buy Is Self Medication” – Opoku Peprah Bernard

Source: Zanetor Apetorgbor/L 300JN

Biomedical Scientist of Teshie Community Clinic, Mr. Opoku Peprah Bernard has disclosed that most victims of illness practice self medication before seeking professional medical attention.

In an interview with Mr. Opoku, he asserted that there is a high dependency rate of self medication in the country which is solely life-threatening.

He made it known that most people take multiple over-the-counter drugs to mask their symptoms. “We all practice self medication…, when the doctor prescribes a medicine for you and it works when you see similar symptoms in the future the subsequent drugs you buy is self medication”.

According to him, most people adopt self administered treatment due to “proximity, poverty, lack of education, accessibility and exposure” which tends to worsen their health condition before getting a professional medical assistant.

He further stated some related health implications;

“One most important health implication of self medication is resistance of the dug, self administered treatment might not be of no result so as the condition will be persistent. Complication means something complex. With complication of the condition when you take the wrong dosage, the medication worsen and multiplies. Self medication causes a problem when there’s no problem. The medicine goes to invite different problems, he stated.

He advises all to try hard to abstain from practicing self medication.

Patients and Their Responsibilities.

Rights! Yes, people fight tirelessly for their rights however the responsibilities attached to the rights are not spoken loudly. Kindly read with rapt attention because you cannot expect things you are not entitled(it is funny you added "to" after the last word). The current reports on the health sector have received media attention.What happened to the people whose time did not receive a media attention?


Posterity, our leaders are not at the receiving end of the health system that they are managing. Sad, isn't it? Hmm, for the ambulance issue, just murmur in your head. Most importantly, patients must know what to expect from health personnel.

Have you lost a relative or friend in the hospital? Sorry about that, I propose a hymn titled "When Peace Like a River" to you. 

Previously, I informed you on your rights as a patient, today, I proceed with the responsibilities as a patient. As a patient, there are certain responsibilities that you need to fulfill as you demand for your rights to be respected.

Patients Responsibilities.

The patient should understand that he/she is responsible for his/her own health and should therefore co-operate fully with healthcare providers. The patient is responsible for:

1. Providing full and accurate medical history for his/her diagnosis, treatment, counseling and rehabilitation purposes.

2.
Requesting additional information and or clarification regarding his/her health or treatment, which may not have been well understood.

3.

Complying with prescribed treatment, reporting adverse effects and adhering, to follow up requests.

4.
Informing his/her healthcare providers of any anticipated problems in following prescribed treatment or advice.

5.
Obtaining all necessary information, which have a bearing on his/her management and treatment including all financial implications.

6.
Acquiring knowledge, on preventive, promotive and simple curative practices and where necessary to seeking early professional help.

7.
Maintaining safe and hygienic environment in order to promote good health.

8.
Respecting the rights of other patients/clients and Health Service personnel
Protecting the property of the Health facility.

NB: These rights and responsibilities shall be exercised by accredited and recognized representatives on behalf of minors and patients who are unable for whatever reasons to make informed decisions by themselves;

In all healthcare activities the patient's dignity and interest must be paramount.


We would continue our next conversation on breast cancer. See ya !