What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a cause for concern for all women and even some men.  According to the National Institute of Health, 1 in 8 women in the U.S will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, typically occurring at 50 years old or older. For women 40-74 years of age who participate in breast screening every 1-2 years, death from breast cancer is reduced by 40 percent.

Evaluation of breast health includes a clinical breast exam each year as well as routine screening mammograms beginning at age 40. For women that have breast health concerns such as lumps, bumps, nipple discharge, or skin changes, a clinical breast exam/screening is the first step in diagnosis.

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What Causes Breast Cancer?

According to the Mayo Clinic, research shows that a number of causes can increase the risk of breast cancer. This can include hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors. Inherited mutated genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2  can also increase the likelihood of breast cancer developing

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

• A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
• Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast
• Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
• A newly inverted nipple
• Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin
• Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange

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What is Cervical Cancer?

The National Institute of Health defines cervical cancer as cancer cells forming within the tissues of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The primary cause being long lasting infections, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Receiving an HPV vaccination before participating in sexual activity can reduce the risk of an HPV infection and thus reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

There are two main types of cervical cancer, each determining the prognosis and treatment after the screening process. Squamous cell carcinoma is a common type of cervical cancer that starts in the squamous cells lining the outer part of the cervix. Adenocarcinoma is a type of cervical cancer that develops in the column shaped glandular cells that line the cervical canal.

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Prevention

Ask our providers about the HPV vaccine, receiving a vaccination to prevent HPV infection may also reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.  Practicing safe sex taking measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections and diseases can also reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

Routine Pap tests, starting at age 21, can detect any pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix that need to be monitored and/or treated to prevent cervical cancer.

While early stage cervical cancer typically produces no signs or symptoms, more advanced cases may include:

• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

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What is Testicular Cancer?

The American Cancer Society identifies multiple types of testicular cancers, depending on the cell type. Most cancers in the testicles start within the germ cells (the cells responsible for sperm). The main types of tumors that occur are seminomas and non-seminomas, many testicular cancers can contain both of these types and are typically treated as non-seminomas.

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What Causes Testicular Cancer?

While it is not clear what causes testicular cancer in most cases, healthcare providers know that cancer occurs with healthy cells become mutated. Typically, testicular cancers begin development in the germ cells, but what causes the cells to become abnormal is unknown.

There are factors that may increase your risk of developing testicular cancer. These include abnormal development of the testicles, family history, and age (usually between 15 and 35).

Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer may include:

• Any lumps or swelling in either testicle
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• Pain and/or discomfort in either testicle or the scrotum
• Swelling and/or tenderness of the breasts
• Pain or a dull ache in the abdomen, groin, or back
• A sudden collection of fluid within the scrotum

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References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, July 19). 2015 NISVS Data brief|violence prevention|injury Center|CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 22, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/datasources/nisvs/2015NISVSdatabrief.html U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services. (2017, February 28). The Genomics of Cervical Cancer. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved July 22, 2022, from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/genomics-cervical-cancer

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Breast cancer. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Retrieved July 22, 2022, from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/breast-cancer

Hypertension

High blood pressure is a common condition that affects the body’s arteries. It’s also called hypertension. If you have high blood pressure, the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls is consistently too high. The heart has to work harder to pump blood.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). In general, hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher.

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association divide blood pressure into four general categories. Ideal blood pressure is categorized as normal.

• Normal blood pressure. Blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mm Hg.
• Elevated blood pressure. The top number ranges from 120 to 129 mm Hg and the bottom number is below, not above, 80 mm Hg.
• Stage 1 hypertension. The top number ranges from 130 to 139 mm Hg or the bottom number is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
• Stage 2 hypertension. The top number is 140 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number is 90 mm Hg or higher.

Blood pressure higher than 180/120 mm Hg is considered a hypertensive emergency or crisis. Seek emergency medical help for anyone with these blood pressure numbers.

Untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems. It’s important to have your blood pressure checked at least every two years starting at age 18. Some people need more-frequent checks.

Healthy lifestyle habits —such as not smoking, exercising and eating well — can help prevent and treat high blood pressure. Some people need medicine to treat high blood pressure.

Anemia

Anemia is a problem of not having enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all other organs in the body. Having anemia can cause tiredness, weakness and shortness of breath.

There are many forms of anemia. Each has its own cause. Anemia can be short term or long term. It can range from mild to severe. Anemia can be a warning sign of serious illness.Treatments for anemia might involve taking supplements or having medical procedures. Eating a healthy diet might prevent some forms of anemia.