The following information pertains to female cancers, namely cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer.
Cervical Cancer
It is estimated that most cervical cancers can be prevented with regular screening via pap smears. Current screening recommendations include 1) women over age 21 should begin regular pap smears and 2) women over 30 should be tested for HPV. The HPV virus causes about 98% of all cervical cancers.
What are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
Talk to your family doctor or other specialist if you have any of the following new symptoms that persist for at least 3 weeks: abnormal vaginal bleeding, heavy discharge, pain with intercourse, pain with urination or pelvic pain.
Complementary & Integrative Care for Cervical Cancer
The goals of a holistic, integrative treatment plan for cervical cancer include:
- reverse and heal pre-cancerous lesions;
- address HPV infection and start treatment with natural compounds;
- manage side effects of chemotherapy for advanced cervical cancer, such as nausea and fatigue;
- nutritional counselling to implement anti-inflammatory diet.
Endometrial Cancer
Risk factors for the development of endometrial, or uterine, cancer include a history of estrogen replacement therapy use without the use of progesterone, history of tamoxifen use, Lynch syndrome, family history and obesity.
What are the Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer?
The most common presenting symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially among post-menopausal women. Other symptoms include a sense of pressure, heaviness, or abdominal pain.
Complementary & Integrative Care for Endometrial Cancer
The goals of a holistic, integrative treatment plan for endometrial cancer include:
- pain management for post surgical pains;
- prevent and manage side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, fatigue, insomnia and loss of appetite;
- weight management to prevent recurrence;
- lifestyle and nutritional counseling to prevent recurrence.
Ovarian Cancer
The risk factors for the development of ovarian cancer are a history of hormone replacement therapy, pelvic inflammatory disease, family history and BRCA gene carriers. If you have a significant family history of ovarian or breast cancer, you may be a candidate for gene testing.
What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
Early clinical presentation of ovarian cancer may include a palpable abdominal mass, bloating, feeling full easily after eating, abdominal or pelvic pain, or changes in urination, such as urgency. Talk to a doctor if you experience any of these changes and they persist for longer than 3 weeks.
Complementary & Integrative Care for Ovarian Cancer
The goals of a holistic, integrative treatment plan for ovarian cancer include:
- testing for and lowering estrogen levels;
- preventing and managing side effects of chemotherapy, such as neuropathy, fatigue and hot flashes;
- test for and address insulin resistance;
- initiate physical activity program to reduce inflammation and decrease the symptoms of menopause;
- nutritional counseling to prevent recurrence.
If you’ve been diagnosed with any of the above types of cancer, call my clinic today at 403-202-7272 to get a comprehensive treatment plan.
