Paranubhuti Foundation

Abstract

Understand about the various cancers that affect women and the significance of women’s health. Look into the data, risk factors, strategies for prevention, available treatments, and available systems of assistance. We can improve the lives of women dealing with these issues by increasing awareness and encouraging early detection.

 Overview of Cancers Affecting Women’s Health

Breast Cancer:

Breast cancer, affecting the breast tissue, is one of the most common cancers in women’s health and may affect both men and women. Frequent self-examinations and mammograms are essential for early detection.

Ovarian Cancer:

Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries and is frequently discovered when symptoms start to show. Bloating and stomach discomfort are possible symptoms. Increased survival rates can result from early detection via screening tests.

Cervical Cancer:

Some strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer, which is an illness that affects the cervix. As effective preventive measures, routine Pap smears and HPV vaccinations.

Uterine Cancer:

The uterine lining is the initial site of uterine cancer, which is also referred to as endometrial cancer. Abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain are among the early warning signs. For a treatment to be effective, a medical examination must provide a timely diagnosis.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Genetic Factor:

Breast and ovarian cancers are more likely to occur in people with specific gene mutations, including BRCA1 and BRCA2. Genetic testing and counselling can assist in determining susceptibility.

Lifestyle Factor:

Many cancers that affect women’s health can be linked to risk factors such as smoking, drinking excessively, being obese, and not exercising enough. The risk is decreased by leading a healthy lifestyle.

Early detection and Screening:

Mammograms, Pap smears, and HPV tests are examples of routine screenings that can detect cancers early on in the disease’s progression when treatment is more successful. Adhering to suggested screening protocols is essential.

Importance of Regular Check-ups and Self-examinations:

Early detection of women’s health cancers can be achieved through basic yet vital measures such as routine check-ups with healthcare professionals and self-examinations for changes in the breast and skin.

Treatment Options

Surgery:

Common treatments for cancers of the breast, uterus, or ovary include surgery such as lumpectomy or mastectomy for breast cancer, hysterectomy for uterine cancer, and debulking surgery for ovarian cancer.

Radiation Therapy:

With radiation therapy, cancer cells are destroyed by high-energy rays. For some cancers related to women’s health, it is frequently used either as a primary treatment or after surgery.

Chemotherapy:

Strong medications are used in chemotherapy to eradicate cancer cells all over the body. It can be injected intravenously, orally, or directly into the place of injury.

Targeted Therapy:

Drugs designed to selectively target cancer cells while causing the least amount of harm to healthy cells are used in targeted therapy. Certain cancers affecting women’s health offer encouraging outcomes.

Support and Resources

Support Groups and Counselling Services:

Women and their loved ones can receive emotional support and useful advice during their cancer journey by joining support groups and seeking counselling services.

Women’s Health Organizations:

Information, resources, and guidance are provided by organizations committed to women’s health, like the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

Government Programs and Initiatives:

Enhancing women’s health and preventing cancer are the goals of government programs like public health campaigns, funding for research, and free or subsidized screenings.

Conclusion

To improve outcomes and save lives, early detection of women’s health cancers must be promoted. Better cancer management is being made possible by ongoing research and treatment innovations, which is guaranteeing a better future for women everywhere.

Menstruation specifically is a process that occurs in females of reproductive age. It involves the shedding of the lining of the uterus, which literally leads to bleeding in a kind of major way. The menstrual cycle, which typically lasts, around 28 days is regulated by hormones. Plays a role in fertility in a pretty major way. However, there essentially are often misunderstandings and societal stigma surrounding menstruation that need to actually be addressed to literally promote health and understanding.

Identifying the Cycle of Menstruation

Stage 1; Menstruation: In this phase the inner lining of the uterus is shed, resulting in bleeding. Hormone levels are low during this time.

Stage 2; Follicular Phase: Eggs in the ovaries start to mature. The lining of the uterus thickens. Hormones stimulate follicle growth.

Stage 3; Ovulation: An egg is released from the ovary ready, for fertilization. Hormone levels reach their peak during this phase.

Stage 4; Luteal Phase: The uterine lining continues to thicken as the body prepares for pregnancy. Hormone levels decrease in the absence of conception.

Bursting Commonly Held Myths

1. Exercising during menstruation is not harmful; in fact, it can help alleviate symptoms and improve mood and energy levels.
2. Menstruation does not indicate dirtiness; Menstrual blood is fluid and does not imply being unclean or dirty.
3. It is not safe to skip periods while using birth control; Skipping periods does not affect health. It can offer substantial relief, for individuals experiencing heavy or painful bleeding.

Physical and Emotional Changes During the Menstrual Cycle

Physical Changes: These changes can vary from person to person. May include breast tenderness, bloating, fatigue and acne during menstruation.

Emotional Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can lead to changes like mood swings, irritability and increased sensitivity during the menstrual cycle.

Handling Menstrual Symptoms

Exercise: Engaging in activities can be beneficial for reducing cramps and uplifting your mood.

Heat Therapy: Applying heat to the abdomen can provide relief from pain and discomfort.

Healthy Diet: Consuming foods rich in nutrients plays a role in hormone regulation and symptom reduction.

Changing Perceptions in Society

“It’s time to shift the narrative surrounding menstruation and nurture a culture where open conversations and education are embraced as the norm. By challenging stereotypes and recognizing health as a part of overall wellbeing we can build a more inclusive and supportive society.”

Staying Active and Comfortable

Yoga: Gentle yoga poses can effectively relieve cramps while promoting relaxation during this time.

Comfortable Clothing: Opting for breathable fabrics throughout the day ensures comfort during menstruation

Healthy Diet: Maintain a diet by fuelling your body with nourishing foods, like leafy greens and whole grains. These choices can contribute to your well-being and support your health.

Breaking the Menstrual Taboo

Education: Raising awareness about menstruation through education helps combat stigma and promotes understanding among individuals.

Access to Menstrual Products: Ensuring that affordable and hygienic menstrual products are accessible, to all individuals regardless of their status.

Language Matters: Choosing language when discussing menstruation fosters an environment that promotes positive attitudes.

Iron-deficiency anemia has remained the top cause of disability in India for 10 years now. The result of poverty, malnutrition, poor sanitation and imbalanced vegetarian diet, widespread anemia has impacted the productivity of India’s workforce.

Disability in this context has a wider meaning; it means absence of good health. This includes factors such as mobility, self-care, participation in routine activities, pain and discomfort, anxiety and depression, and cognitive impairment.

Iron-deficiency anemia in India is rampant among children below the age of three (about 78.9%) and women (about 55%); men follow about 24%, according to the National Family Healthy Survey. The basic symptoms of this anemia are fatigue, weakness, lethargy, shortness of breath and decreased concentration. 

Anemia affects productivity.

Anaemia reduces the work capacity of individuals and entire populations, bringing serious economic consequences and obstacles to national development, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Anaemia has led to much loss in productivity among workers engaged in heavy physical labour and a much decrease in the output of moderately active workers, besides causing cognitive deficits in malnourished children, according study published in the Journal of Nutrition.

Effect of pregnant women & children’s IQ.

Effect of pregnant women & children’s IQ.India loses much of its gross domestic product (GDP) due to iron-deficiency anaemia. This can be up to billions or lakh crores rupees according to the World Bank’s estimate of India’s GDP.

Anemia mostly affects women and children, the impact of anaemia is best understood by looking at maternal deaths and school dropout rates.

Anaemia during pregnancy also increases the chances of foetal deaths, abnormalities, pre-term and underweight babies.

In children, iron-deficiency anaemia severely affects cognitive performance. It also impacts language skills, motor skills and coordination among infants and young children, and a deficit of five to 10 points in intelligence quotient (IQ). But these effects of iron deficiency in infancy cannot be correct by subsequent iron therapy.

Anaemia also impacts the immune system and increases chances of infections and inflammatory disease, further affecting individual productivity.

Factors responsible for Anemia in India.

The leading causes of anaemia in India are poverty, malnutrition, caste factors, cultural, social factors & poor sanitation. Frequent occurrences of malaria and worm infestations too result in high incidence of anaemia.

A vegetarian diet is also linked with iron-deficiency anaemia. Even though a vegetarian diet contains as much dietary iron as a non-vegetarian diet, research has shown that animal-based iron is better absorbed (15-40%) than plant-based iron (1-15%). To make up for the low absorption, large quantities of green leafy vegetables, pulses and nuts need to be consumed. But these are unaffordable for the poor.

Other causes & types are chronic diseases, frequent blood losses, vitamin B12 deficiency, aplastic anemia, bone marrow problem, hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, etc.

Initiatives needed;

Health Education & Awareness

We do health education & awareness about anemia & related topics so that people should understand the problem & severity & know how to tackle this national health issue of their own. We use creative, ground level & advanced methods to educate people.

Anemia Detection & Treatment Camps

We organize anemia screening & detection camps though which we can know who people are anemic & needs treatment. We use portable blood testing equipment for outreach activities. The anemic cases are recorded & followed up for treatment from our organization or through government or other healthcare agencies.  

Nutritional Assessment, Supplement & Iron Supplement

For prevention of anemia we do area-wise or camp-wise nutritional assessment & provide nutritional as well as iron supplement to needy people. Then we also do follow up nutritional assessment to know the results & provide more supplements for needy people.