Jan 25, 2011

Alternative medicine cervical cancer prevention

Cervical cancer is the second-most common cancer in young women and is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths among women, particularly in minorities and
in impoverished countries. Like all cancers, cancer of the cervix is much more likely to be cured if it is detected early and treated immediately at its initial stage with the alternative medicine through natural medications with no side effects at our center.

Cancer of the cervix occurs when the cells of the cervix change in a way that leads to abnormal growth and invasion of other tissues or organs of the body.It is caused primarily by a sexually transmitted infection with an oncogenic strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Studies have shown dietary intervention and nutrient supplementation to be effective in preventing cervical cancer. Additionally, local escharotic treatment combined with systemic treatment shows significant potential in reducing dysplasia

Cancer that forms in tissues of the cervix (organ connecting the uterus and vagina). It is usually a slow-growing cancer that may not have symptoms, but can be found with regular Pap smears (procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and looked at under a microscope).

The uterine cervix is the lowest portion of a woman's uterus (womb). Most of the uterus lies in the pelvis, but part of the cervix is located in the vagina, where it connects the uterus with the vagina.
    * One of the key features of cervical cancer is its slow progression from normal cervical tissue, to precancerous (or dysplastic) changes in the tissue, to invasive cancer.
    * The slow progression through numerous precancerous changes is very important because it provides opportunities for prevention and early detection and treatment.

Other possible risk factors include the following:
    * Giving birth to many children.
    * Having many sexual partners.
    * Having first sexual intercourse at a young age.
    * Smoking cigarettes.
    * Oral contraceptive use (the Pill).
    * Weakened immune system.

Cervical cancers don't always spread, but those that do most often spread to the lungs, the liver, the bladder, the vagina, and/or the rectum.

Self-treatment is not appropriate for cancer under most circumstances. Without medical treatment, the cancer will continue to grow and spread. Eventually vital body organs will not be able to function properly because the cancer will take their oxygen and nutrients, crowd them out, or injure them. The result is very often death.

Although self-treatment is inappropriate, there are things you can do to reduce the physical and mental stresses of your cancer and its treatment.

Maintaining good nutrition is one of the best things you can do.
    * You may lose your appetite during your treatment.
    * Common side effects
    * People who eat well, take in enough calories and protein.
    * keeping up your calorie and protein intake.

The following lifestyle changes may help keep you stronger and more comfortable during treatment:
    * Engage in mild physical activity
    * Rest is equally important
    * Quit smoking.
    * Avoid alcohol.

Treatment of cervical cancer is directed at preventing precancerous cells from becoming cancerous cells.
    * This is usually a step-by-step process
    * The deepest cells must be removed
 
Cervical cancer begins with abnormal changes in the cervical tissue. The risk of developing these abnormal changes has been associated with certain factors, including previous infection with human papilloma virus (HPV), early sexual contact, multiple sexual partners, cigarette smoking and taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

Treatment of cervical cancer is directed at preventing precancerous cells from becoming cancerous cells.The key to preventing invasive cervical cancer is to detect any cell changes early, before they become cancerous. Regular pelvic examinations and Pap smears are the best way to do this.

Avoidance of human papillomavirus infection is becoming increasingly important in the prevention of precancerous and cancerous changes of the cervix.
    * Early age at first intercourse is associated with increased risk
    * Likewise, barrier protection, such as condom use, may prevent HPV infection, although this has not yet been fully studied.
    * Early tests found an experimental vaccine to be effective against the virus responsible for half of all cases of cervical cancer.
    *. Quitting smoking may decrease your chances of developing cervical cancer.
    * Genetic material that comes from certain forms of HPV has been found in cervical tissues that show cancerous or precancerous changes.
    * These findings demonstrate a strong link between the virus and cervical cancer.
    * Because HPV can be transmitted by sexual contact, early sexual contact and having multiple sexual partners have been identified as strong risk factors for the development of cervical lesions that may progress to cancer.

Possible signs of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.These and other symptoms may be caused by cervical cancer. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
    * Vaginal bleeding.
    * Unusual vaginal discharge.
    * Pelvic pain.
    * Pain during sexual intercourse.

Tests that examine the cervix are used to detect (find) and diagnose cervical cancer.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

Treatment options depend on the following:
    * The stage of the cancer.
    * The size of the tumor.
    * The patient's desire to have children.
    * The patient’s age.
    * The type of cervical cancer.

Treatment of cervical cancer during pregnancy depends on the stage of the cancer and the stage of the pregnancy. For cervical cancer found early or for cancer found during the last trimester of pregnancy, treatment may be delayed until after the baby is born.

The process used to find out if cancer has spread within the cervix or to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatment

Alternative Medicines Complement Conventional Medicines

There are many choices when looking for alternative medicines. Today, more people are turning to these alternatives for their treatments than ever before. These types of medicines provide a different approach than conventional medicine in health care systems and practices.

What is Alternative Medicine?

Some examples of alternative medicine are chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy, and naturopathy. Although you may be unfamiliar with these treatments, there are people all over the world successfully using them.

In several ways, alternative medicine offers a different outlook on healthcare than conventional medicine. The usual treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, antibiotics and other types of drugs; however, there is growing evidence and awareness that alternative treatments can be less costly, less invasive, and sometimes safer than well-known conventional treatments.

A Higher Stand of Health

The goal of alternative medicine is a higher standard of health, not just the absence of disease.  For many years, individuals were given a clean bill of health without considering their emotional, spiritual or social needs. Alternative medicine considers the health and well being of the person by evaluating the physical, emotional and psychological makeup and needs. The patient is examined as a person and not just a number or case. Patients are encouraged to participate in decisions instead of being a passive subject.

Healing the Body

Conventional medicine has typically treated and removed symptoms as quickly as possible. Sometimes the results are dramatic and immediate with traditional surgeries and medicines. Sometimes, however, this creates other physical problems. The alternative is to help the body heal itself.

By using less dramatic treatment, the body is given a chance to work through its own healing therapy. Instead of synthetic medicines, the use of whole foods, herbs, homeopathic and nutritional supplements are utilized. The results may take longer but in the end the body will be healthier. True healing can occur in this way, increasing the chances that the symptoms will not return.

Finding an Alternative Professional

If you are planning to consult an alternative professional for a specific need, it is recommended that you consult with a medical doctor or osteopathic physician to get a diagnosis. They go through extensive training in diagnosing illnesses and diseases. This step could lead you to the correct treatment and avoid confusion. After you have had your exam and diagnosis, ask for the recommended treatment. Then look for an alternative treatment that may be easier on your body and possibly more effective.

There are different ways to find a practitioner. One of the most helpful is to get referrals from family and friends, your doctor, or other health care providers. Also use the resources at the library, the Internet, and medical information organizations. When you have a list of referrals, begin to gather information on the professionals. Ask for literature, find out how long they have been practicing, and what practices they use. Check to see if your insurance policy will cover their fees and what will be expected from you.

Having a Consultation

Be prepared when you consult with the professional. Describe your symptoms or condition clearly. Be sure to include a complete medical history. Explain what you have learned about alternative treatments.

Listen carefully to the suggested treatment and ask questions to make sure you understand. Ask what the benefits will be from this therapy.  Find out how long the treatment will take and if you should expect side effects.

Making a Choice

Did he answer your questions and make you comfortable? Is the treatment acceptable to you? Now you can decide if this practitioner is right for you.

Before you choose alternative medicines, take the steps necessary to ensure you are treating the problem, not just the symptoms. You'll soon discover the long-term benefits of alternative medicines.