Category: in the know

Cervical cancer is a cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb). The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. Before cancer appears in the cervix the cells of the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is a common sexually transmitted infection is the primary underlying cause of Cervical Cancer. Less than 5% of women infected with HPV ultimately develop Cervical Cancer if they have no access to treatment. Everyone will get Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections at some point, most HPV go away on their own but some can lead to cancer.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer if caught at an early.83 percent of new cases are in developing countries; in most of these countries, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women.

According to WHO more than 300,000 women die from cervical cancer every year. This is due in part to the lack of effective screening programmes to: Detect Cervical Cancer before it becomes clinically apparent.

Women living with HIV are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer.

Here are some of the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer:

1. Unusual bleeding between periods, after menopause, or following sexual intercourse.
2. Increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
3. Persistent pain in the back, legs, or pelvis.
4. Weight loss, fatigue, or loss of appetite.
5. Vaginal discomfort and bleeding after sex
6. Swelling in the legs.

Don’t let cervical cancer stop you. It is time to end cervical cancer by:

1. GET INFORMED

• Find out about cervical cancer and HPV that causes it.

2. GET SCREENED

• Pap smear and HPV DNA testing detects pre-cancerous changes of the cervix in need of treatment before they progress to invasive cancer.
• If you have a cervix you should begin screening at the age of 21.
• Cervical Cancer Screening should begin within 3 years after a Woman begins sexual activity.
• Regular screening is crucial to detect changes in the cervix that could, if untreated, develop into cancer.

3. GET VACCINATED

• The HPV vaccine is safe, most effective and protects against cervical cancer. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer. Parents, Ensure Vaccination: Protect your girls aged 9 to 14 with the HPV vaccine. It’s a crucial step in safeguarding their future health

 

Research shows that the incidence of invasive cervical cancer in the <25 years age group is very low in most Countries. It increases at about age 35-40 years and reaches a maximum at about age 50 to 60 years.

Remember if you are 30 or older; prioritize an annual cervical cancer screening for early detection. Cervical cancer can be effectively treated if identified and addressed in its early stages.

At Scanlab Center Nakuru we are supporting the fighters, admiring survivors and honouring the departed.

We are offering ALL cervical cancer screening (Pap smear and HPV DNA testing) at a discounted rate.

 Detect early save lives! Come one Come All!

 

Today is world cancer day an international day to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage prevention, detection and treatment.Cancer is the second-leading cause of death around the globe, it claims close to 10 million lives annually.

The best protection from cancer is early detection.Cancer screening saves life, it can detect cancers at an early stage, in some cases even prevent cancers from developing and when diagnosed early it’s more likely to respond to treatment.

We call on you to play your role in creating cancer-free world. Everyone has the ability to make a difference.

As Scanlab, we are making real progress in reducing the global impact of cancer by offering many different tests and scans you might need to find out if you have cancer.If we work together we can make real progress in reducing global impact of cancer.

We are supporting the fighters,admiring survivors and honoring the taken.

Book your screening with us today at a discounted rate.

 

A mammogram is a special type of x-ray that uses low energy x-rays to examine breast tissue for diagnosis and screening purposes.

A mammogram is useful for the early detection of breast cancer. It identifies micro and macro calcifications(lumps) and masses in breast tissue. Women over 40yrs are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer and thus it’s recommended that they get an annual screen. For ladies under 40yrs, a breast ultrasound is ideal.
The test can be performed on both male and female genders.

Did you know?

Hypertension affects about 10% of all pregnant women and is the commonest condition seen during pregnancy.
– Pre-existing hypertension is hypertension that is identified before the onset of pregnancy or diagnosed before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
– Gestational hypertension is diagnosed for the first time at or after 20 weeks gestation & resolves within 12 weeks post delivery.
– Preeclampsia is diagnosed after 20 weeks and resolves before 12 weeks postpartum.

All You Need To Know About Vaginal Discharge

Are you aware of the difference between normal vaginal discharge and abnormal vaginal discharge? With all things being equal, vaginal discharge is a natural part of being a woman, but sometimes changes in it can indicate a problem. Understanding these changes will help you know when there is a problem.

The Natural Vagina

Basically, the function of your vagina is to provide access to your uterus and the rest of your internal reproductive system. The natural, acidic, pH of your vagina acts to prevent infections by the natural, good, bacteria present in it.

Naturally, your vagina cleans itself by producing clear, mucus-like secretions. However, the natural balance of the vagina can be disturbed by anything that interferes with its normal environment.

Normal Discharge

Note that, all women experience some amount of vaginal discharge. This is because Glands in your vagina and cervix produce small amounts of fluid that flows out of your body every day, taking with it old cells.

This normal discharge cleans the vagina, keeps it lubricated and free from infection and other disease causing agents (germs). It doesn’t have a foul smell and normally has no odor at all. Normal discharge always appears clear or milky when it dries on your panties. Sometimes though, you may observe a discharge that is thin and stringy or stretchy looking.

Look at the list of things that can disturb the natural pH balance of your vagina and lead to vaginal infections:

Menstrual Period Affects Vaginal Discharge

Your menstrual cycle has a serious effect on the kind of vaginal discharge that you encounter throughout the month. Midway between your periods, you will observe a normal increase in clear vaginal discharge. This occurence (of increased wetness and clear vaginal discharge) shows you are ovulating. Ovulation is the time of the month when you are fertile and can get pregnant.

Please note that you’re more likely to have vaginal infections just before or during your period. The reason for this is that the pH balance of your vagina fluctuates during your monthly cycle. This in turn causes the acidic level of your vagina to be at its lowest point a few days before your period and also during your period.

Contraceptives can also affect vaginal discharge

Hormones contained in contraceptives affect women differently, some have reported increased discharge while others have noted a reduction. Your doctor can help you identify if this is the cause and advice on how to manage it.

Signs of Abnormal Discharge

A very important fact is that you need to recognize the signs of abnormal vaginal discharge because it could be an indication that you have an infection or other health condition. If your vaginal discharge suddenly and randomly increases, this is sign that there may be a problem. Another thing that may signal a problem is if your discharge is yellowish or greenish in color. If you have a thick clumped or chunky discharge or a very watery discharge, you can also suspect that things are not well in your vagina.

The following signs in your discharge may indicate an infection:

★Changes in color, consistency (sometimes similar to cottage cheese), or amount
★Itching, discomfort, or a rash
★Vaginal burning during urination
★The presence of blood when it’s not time for your period
★A foul odor accompanied by yellowish, greenish, or grayish white vaginal discharge

If you notice any of the above signs with your vaginal discharge, it is advised that you consult your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Also NOTE What Different Kinds of Discharge Indicate

√ If your discharge is whitish to pale yellow and thick and clumped and you have vaginal itching or burning you most likely have a vaginal yeast infection.

√ If you have a discharge that is heavier than usual, and at the same time watery and grayish in color with a foul fishy odor, you may suspect bacterial vaginosis.

√ If your vaginal discharge suddenly increases in amount, is green or yellowish and has bad odor, or is causing vaginal symptoms you are advised to see a doctor to diagnose the cause and to provide treatment.

Most Common Causes Of Vaginal Infections

Here are the most notable causes of abnormal vaginal discharges:

1. Bacterial vaginosis (BV): This is the most common vaginal infection, caused by bacteria. It is treated with antibiotics and won’t respond to over-the-counter treatments for yeast infection.

2. Vaginal yeast infections: Vaginal yeast infections are also very common and over-the-counter treatments are available. However, it’s important to never self-diagnose a vaginal yeast infection unless you have previously been diagnosed by your health care provider.

3. Trichomoniasis

4. Chlamydia

5. Gonorrhea

6. Forgetting to remove a tampon (A tampon is a feminine hygiene product designed to absorb the menstrual flow by insertion into the vagina during menstruation. Once inserted correctly a tampon is held in place by the vagina and expands as it soaks up menstrual blood)

4. Other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or infections (STIs)

Diagnosis

Common tests requested to confirm, rule out or identify type of infection are;

1. Urinalysis- it’s a basic test on your urine that checks for infection by analysing the color, pH, and presence of normal/abnormal cells in urine.

2. High vaginal swab (HVS)- a swab of vaginal discharge is put in culture media (food for microorganisms with nutrients essential for their growth) and incubated to allow time for growth. Growth identifies type of organism= type of infection and helps your doctor to prescribe the right type of medication.

NB: there are specific tests for different types of STIs. Your doctor will request for a specific test based on your symptoms and history.

Treatment

The treatment provided for vaginal discharge depends largely what caused it in the first place.

Prevention and management tips

1. Always wear cotton underwear
2. Practise good personal hygiene (keep your vagina clean and dry)
3. Avoid use of scented pads, tampons or soaps (they contain chemicals that alter vaginal pH)
4. Drink natural yoghurt
5. Drink lots of water
6. Avoid douching and inserting foreign objects into your vagina
7. Avoid clothing that is too tight (your vagina needs to breathe)

Ever had the urge to pass stool, you know the kind that makes you feel paralysed, like everything is about to come out right now….so you rush to the toilet and carry the full tissue roll just in case…lock the door behind you, position yourself and push with all the strength you can muster then after a full excruciating minute comes: Plonk!- a pebble sized product and staring at it you’re sure there’s like 5kg of those pebbles still stuck in the pipes….

It’s possible that you’re CONSTIPATED

Let’s talk about HSG today…

This is a special type of X-ray used to evaluate female (in)fertility.
It involves the placement of an iodine-based dye (contrast) through the cervix and taking x-rays to view the flow of dye into the uterus and fallopian tubes.
A doctor will normally request for the test if they suspect blockage.

Image guided biopsy has become the preferred procedure for extracting sample fluid/tissue for examination to check for presence,cause or extent of a disease.
It has added benefits compared to surgical biopsy in that;

* It increases the accuracy of sample collection since the extraction process has visual guidance.
* It decreases patient exposure to invasive procedure.
* The procedure leaves a smaller wound compared to surgery reducing scar size and recovery time.
* It much cheaper than surgical biopsy.

Did you know that Scanlab Nakuru offers professional Office & home collection (mobile phlebotomy) services? Get your sample collected and reports delivered at the convenience of your home or office at the dial of a button.
For this service,

call 0711443673 / 0717535037

Routine cancer screening is important because it checks your body for cancer before you have symptoms, at this stage, treatment is likely to work better. We encourage you to go for screening… early detection could save your life

Breast/ cervical cancer are the top 2 cancers in females. The 2018 Globocan data continues to verify the same https://gco.iarc.fr/…/factsheets/…/404-kenya-fact-sheets.pdf
Early diagnosis makes a difference. Take advantage of our reduced rates during the October awareness month to screen loved ones &/ or yourself.

Call 0722149505 for booking