PINK PARTIES and HELPING HANDS(c)

Women who battle frustration and silently scream from failed weight loss 
attempts, poor health, and lack of will power are not alone. It's not all about 
exercise and diet. If your spirit isn't with the program, even the best 
discipline might just lead to injury or worse yet feeling you failed even when 
you gave it your "all."

Statistics show "dieting has a 95% failure rate and just by switching from a bad 
lifestyle to a healthier one, one can expect to add as much as 14 years to their 
life." But what do you do when you think you have done everything and the 
results don't last?

To read the complete article entitled "Fitness and Exercise: How to Stop 
Battling Frustration to Lose Weight" - By Amy Lundberg, go to 
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/fitness_and_exercise_how_to_stop_battling.htm
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In the United States there are more than 75,000 newly diagnosed cases of uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancer annually, the three most common gynecologic cancers. Each cancer may have a variety of symptoms and associated risk factors.

Risk Factors for Gynecological Cancers

• I am not getting screened regularly with a Pap test
• I am at high-risk for human papillomaviruses (HPV)
• I smoke 
• I am very overweight
• I eat a diet high in fat.
• I am a woman older than age 60
• I started menstruating at an early age—before age 12
• I take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs

Warning Symptoms for Gynecologic Cancers

• Indigestion, heartburn, nausea, or gas
• Abdominal swelling or discomfort
• Pelvic pain or cramping
• Bloating or a sense of fullness, even after small meals
• Backache
• Painful, frequent, or burning urination with no infection
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss or gain
• Vaginal bleeding or irregular periods
• Pain during intercourse

If symptoms last more than 2-3 weeks, schedule a gynecologic exam right away. Request a Pap test, CA 125 blood test, and a transvaginal ultrasound. Remember: Early detection equals survival!

Contact The National Women’s Health Information Center for information on health insurance coverage or free clinics. Visit www.womenshealth.gov or call 1-800-994-9662.
 

• Eliminate as many sources of stress as you can. For example, if crowds bother you, go to the supermarket when you know the lines won't be too long. Try renting videotapes rather than going to crowded movie theaters. Clear up the clutter in your life by giving away or throwing away the things that get in your way. A garage sale is one effective way to do this.

• If you are always running late, sit down with a pencil and paper and see how you are actually allotting your time. Say it takes you 40 minutes to get to work. Are you leaving your house on time? You may be able to solve your problem (and de-stress your life a bit) just by being realistic. If you can't find the time for all the activities that are important to you, maybe you are trying to do too much. Again, make a list of what you do during the day and how much each activity takes. Then cut back.

• Avoid predictably stressful situations. If a certain sport or game makes you tense (whether it's tennis or bridge), decline the invitation to play. After all, the point of these activities is to have a good time. If you know you won't, there's no reason to play.

• If you can't remove the stress, remove yourself. Slip away once in a while for some private time. These quiet moments may give you a fresh perspective on your problems. Avoid stressful people. For example, if you don't get along with your father-in-law but you don't want to make an issue of it, invite other in-laws at the same time you invite him. Having other people around will absorb some of the pressure you would normally feel.

• Competing with others, whether in accomplishments, appearance, or possessions, is an avoidable source of stress. You might know people who do all they can to provoke envy in others. While it may seem easy to say you should be satisfied with what you have, it's the truth. Stress from this kind of jealousy is self-inflicted.

• Laborsaving devices, such as cellular phones or computer hookups, often encourage us to cram too many activities into each day. Before you buy new equipment, be sure that it will really improve your life. Be aware that taking care of equipment and getting it repaired can be stressful.

• Try doing only one thing at a time. For example, when you're riding your exercise bike, you don't have to listen to the radio or watch television.

• Remember, sometimes it's okay to do nothing.

• If you suffer from insomnia, headaches, recurring colds, or stomach upsets, consider whether stress is part of the problem. Being chronically angry, frustrated, or apprehensive can deplete your physical resources.

• If you feel stress (or anything else) is getting the better of you, seek professional help -- a doctor or therapist. Early signs of excess stress are loss of a sense of well-being and reluctance to get up in the morning to face another day.

	Nipple Discharge	Return to Previous
	Nipple discharge is the third most common breast complaint for which women seek medical attention, after lumps and breast pain. A woman's breasts have some degree of fluid secretion activity throughout most of the adult life. The difference between lactating (milk producing) and non-lactating breasts is mainly in the degree or amount of secretion and to a smaller degree in the chemical composition of the fluid. In non-lactating women, small plugs of tissue block the nipple ducts and keep the nipple from discharging fluid. During breast self-exam, fluid may be expressed from the breasts of 50% to 60% of Caucasian and African-American women and 40% of Asian-American women. The majority of nipple discharges are associated with non-malignant changes in the breast such as hormonal imbalances. However, any woman with a suspicious or worrisome nipple discharge (see below) should consult her physician. Nipple Discharge is of Concern if it is: bloody or watery (serous) with a red, pink, or brown color sticky and clear in color or brown to black in color (opalescent) appears spontaneously without squeezing the nipple persistent on one side only (unilateral) a fluid other than breast milk Causes of Nipple Discharge Milky discharge (cloudy, whitish or almost clear in color, thin, non-sticky) is the most common type of discharge. Most milky discharge is caused by lactation or increased mechanical stimulation of the nipple due to fondling, suckling or irritation from clothing during exercise or activity. Drugs or hormones that stimulate prolactin secretion can cause spontaneous, persistent production of milk (galactorrhea). Prolactin is the hormone produced by the pituitary gland that starts the growth of the mammary glands and triggers production of milk. Some pituitary tumors cause excess prolactin secretion that can lead to milky nipple discharge, usually from both breasts (bilateral).  Opalescent discharge that is yellow or green in color is normal. Most bloody or watery (serous) nipple discharge (approximately 90%) is due to a benign condition such as papilloma or infection. A papilloma is a non-cancerous, wart-like tumor with a branching or stalk that has grown inside the breast duct. Papillomas frequently involve the large milk ducts near the nipple. Multiple papillomas may also be found in the small breast ducts further from the nipple. Of the benign conditions that cause suspicious nipple discharge, approximately half is due to papilloma and the other half is a mixture of benign conditions such as fibrocystic conditions or duct ectasia (widening and hardening of the duct due to age or damage). Most opalescent discharge is due to duct ectasia or cyst. Suspicious nipple discharge is due to a malignant (cancerous) lesion just ten percent (10%) of the time.  Discharge caused by a malignant condition is almost always on one side only (unilateral). Discharge that is coming from both breasts (bilateral) is usually benign. Papilloma usually causes discharge from a single breast duct. Nipple Discharge in Men Both male and female adolescents may experience a milky discharge during puberty. Nipple discharge in the adult male is more often associated with a malignant condition than in the female. Mammography should be performed and biopsy should be performed if a mass or mammographic abnormality is found. Bloody Discharge During Pregnancy Bloody discharge during pregnancy/lactation is fairly common and usually not related to papilloma. During pregnancy and lactation, breast tissue grows rapidly and this can lead to duct irritation that causes bloody nipple discharge. This discharge should not interfere with nursing. If the discharge persists after lactation has stopped, it should be evaluated further. Examination for Nipple Discharge A blood test of prolactin levels is often made to determine hormonal causes of excessive milky discharge (galactorrhea). A hormone imbalance, pituitary tumor, and certain drugs such as sedatives, tranquilizers, hormone replacement or birth control pills may cause excessive prolactin levels. If there is a suspicious nipple discharge (see above criteria), an examination by a physician should be performed. Clinical breast exam (CBE) is first performed. If a discharge can be produced during the examination, some of the fluid may be collected and examined under a microscope to see if any blood cells or cancer cells are present. This test is called a nipple smear. The discharge may also be examined for signs of infection such as pus. Papillomas may be seen with microscopic examination of a nipple discharge, but this test may be inconclusive. If the discharge is bloody or serous, a mammogram is often the first test to be performed. Even when no cancer cells are found in a nipple discharge, it is not possible to rule out breast cancer or other condition such as papilloma. If a patient has a suspicious mass together with nipple discharge, evaluation of the mass should be performed using mammography, adjunctive imaging and biopsy as necessary. If these tests are negative and show no malignancy, nipple smear should be evaluated. Some papillomas are near the nipple and are large enough to be felt. In these cases, a needle biopsy can be done to test for malignancy or diagnose papilloma. In some cases, a galactogram (also called a ductogram) is performed to aid in diagnosing the cause of an abnormal nipple discharge such as intraductal papilloma. However, a ductogram that does not show an abnormality does not exclude the fact that a significant lesion may be present. Treatment for Persistent Nipple Discharge The standard treatment for nipple discharge that has no hormonal involvement is duct excision. Duct excision is usually performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia. The procedure is usually done through a small circular incision near the areolar border around the nipple. It is not uncommon for the pathology found to be so microscopic that it is invisible without the assistance of a microscope. Typically, nursing ability and nipple sensation are preserved after duct excision. Breast-feeding in the other breast should have no affect from the duct excision in the opposite breast. There is usually not a significant change in breast size/shape after duct excision since only a small amount of tissue is removed. There is no evidence of increased future risk of breast cancer from the procedure. Some suggest that there may be a slight increase in risk of breast cancer for patients with a papilloma, but this possibly higher risk has nothing to do with the treatment chosen. Conclusion: The above information and statistics are general guidelines. If you have nipple discharge that is worrisome, please do not hesitate to contact your physician or healthcare provider about it. However, keep in mind that most nipple discharge is not caused by breast cancer. References: Lois F. O'Grady, MD, et al., A Practical Approach to Breast Disease, Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1995, pp. 131-139. Updated: April 2007 Return to Breast Health Main Menu

This Article Can Be Found At:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/nipple.asp

What is an abnormal Pap test?

As part of your routine gynecologic exam, you will have a Pap test (also called a Pap smear). A Pap test is used to identify abnormal cell changes on your cervix and to screen for cervical cancer.

An abnormal Pap test indicates that cells on your cervix have changed. An abnormal Pap test result is not uncommon because the cells of the cervix normally undergo constant change. About 5% to 10% of women who have a yearly Pap test will have an abnormal result, but only a small percentage of these abnormal results indicate changes that may progress to cervical cancer.

What causes an abnormal Pap test?

Many abnormal Pap tests are caused by viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Other types of infection-such as those caused by bacteria, fungi (yeast), or protozoa (Trichomonas)-may cause minor changes called atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). Natural cervical cell changes (atrophic vaginitis) related to menopause can also cause an abnormal Pap test. Usually cell changes return to normal on their own or after an infection has been treated or has resolved on its own.

In some cases, untreated cervical cell changes that cause abnormal Pap tests may progress to precancerous or cancerous stages. Certain high-risk types of HPV, especially types 16 and 18, have been linked to the development of cervical cancer. However, changes in cervical cells usually progress slowly and take many years to become cancer cells.

What increases my risk for an abnormal Pap test?

Most cervical cell changes are the result of sexual transmission of HPV infection. High-risk sexual behaviors by you or your partner, such as having multiple sex partners and not using condoms, increase your risk of infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you are in a single-partner (monogamous) relationship, an abnormal Pap result caused by HPV may not indicate current high-risk behavior. Since HPV sometimes remains in body cells for many years, abnormal cervical cell changes can be the result of an HPV infection years earlier.

Smoking or having an impaired immune system also may increase your risk for cervical cell changes.

Having regular Pap test screening and follow-up evaluation of any abnormal results can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.

Will I have symptoms that indicate abnormal cervical cell changes?

Abnormal cervical cell changes themselves do not cause symptoms. An HPV infection-the most common cause of abnormal cervical cell changes-usually does not cause symptoms. This is why regular Pap test screening is so important.

If an STD or another infection is the cause of your abnormal Pap test, you may have symptoms. STDs can have a variety of symptoms, including:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge, such as a change in the amount, color, odor, or texture.
• Pain, burning, or itching in the pelvic or genital area during urination or during sexual intercourse.
• Sores, lumps, blisters, rashes, or warts on or around the genitals.

What will I need to do if I have an abnormal Pap test?

Even though most abnormal Pap tests are caused by an HPV infection that will go away or inflammation that can be treated, you will need a follow-up evaluation to make sure your abnormal cell changes have gone away. The need for treatment will vary depending on whether your abnormal cell changes are mild, moderate, or severe.

• If you have minor cervical cell changes, you may choose monitoring by your doctor (watchful waiting), an HPV test, or in some cases colposcopy and possibly cervical biopsy.
• If you have moderate to severe cervical cell changes, you will need further evaluation by colposcopy and possibly a cervical biopsy. Then treatment that specifically destroys or removes the abnormal cells may be recommended depending on the biopsy results.

http://women.webmd.com/tc/Abnormal-Pap-Test-Topic-Overview