What is cervical cancer?

Cancer is a disease in which certain body cells don’t function right, divide very fast, and produce too much tissue that forms a tumor. Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows during a woman’s pregnancy. The cervix forms a canal that opens into the vagina (birth canal), which leads to the outside of the body.

If the Pap test finds serious changes in the cells of the cervix, the doctor will suggest more powerful tests such as a coloscopy. In this procedure, the doctor uses a tool called a colposcope to see the cells of the vagina and cervix in detail.

If there are still some concerns of precancerous cells, the doctor may use the LUMA Cervical Imaging System. The doctor uses this device right after a colposcopy. This system, recently approved by the FDA, shines a light on the cervix and looks at how different areas of the cervix respond to this light. It gives a score to tiny areas of the cervix. It then makes a color map that helps the doctor decide where to further test the tissue with a biopsy. The colors and patterns on the map help the doctor tell between healthy tissue and tissue that might be diseased.

Why do I need to be concerned about heart healthy eating?

Diet is one of the things that can affect your heart health, and your risk for getting heart disease. And, every woman needs to be concerned about heart disease. It is the #1 killer of American women (and men). The good news is that diet is one of the things you can control to improve your heart health and lower your risk for heart disease. Making relatively simple changes in your daily eating habits will pay off quickly - not only will you feel better, your overall health will improve as well!

Does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increase a woman’s risk for heart disease?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help with some symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and bone loss, but there are risks, too. For some women, taking hormones can increase their chances of having a heart attack or stroke. If you decide to use hormones, use them at the lowest dose that helps for the shortest time needed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about HRT.

The patch is generally safe for young, healthy women. The patch can pose heart disease risks for some women, especially women older than 35; women with high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol; and women who smoke.Recent studies show that women who use the patch may be exposed to more estrogen (the female hormone in birth control pills and the patch that keeps users from becoming pregnant) than women who use the birth control pill. Research is underway to see if the risk for blood clots (which can lead to heart attack or stroke) is higher in patch users. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the patch.

If you’re using the patch, watch for signs of trouble, including:

• Eye problems such as blurred or double vision
• Pain in the upper body or arm
• Bad headaches
• Problems breathing
• Spitting up blood
• Swelling or pain in the leg
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Breast lumps
• Unusual (not normal) heavy bleeding from your vagina

If you have any of these symptoms, call 911.

Taking birth control pills is generally safe for young, healthy women. But birth control pills can pose heart disease risks for some women, especially women older than 35; women with high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol; and women who smoke. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the pill.

If you’re taking birth control pills, watch for signs of trouble, including:

• Eye problems such as blurred or double vision
• Pain in the upper body or arm
• Bad headaches
• Problems breathing
• Spitting up blood
• Swelling or pain in the leg
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Breast lumps
• Unusual (not normal) heavy bleeding from your vagina

If you have any of these symptoms, call 911.

Aspirin may be helpful for women at high risk, such as women who have already had a heart attack. Aspirin can have serious side effects and may be harmful when mixed with certain medicines. If you’re thinking about taking aspirin, talk to your doctor first. If your doctor thinks aspirin is a good choice for you, be sure to take it exactly as your doctor tells you to.

Most people have changes in their heartbeat from time to time. These changes in heartbeat are, for most people, harmless. As you get older, you’re more likely to have heartbeats that feel different. Don’t panic if you have a few flutters or if your heart races once in a while. If you have flutters AND other symptoms such as dizziness or shortness of breath (feeling like you can’t get enough air), call 911.

If your dad or brother had a heart attack before age 55,  or if your mom had one before age 65,  you’re more likely to develop heart disease. This does not mean you will have a heart attack. It means you should take extra good care of your heart to keep it healthy.

Not everyone has all of the warning signs of heart attack. And, sometimes these signs can go away and come back.Symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest
• Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Other symptoms, such as shortness of breath (feeling like you can’t get enough air), breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), or feeling faint or woozy

Some women have more vague symptoms such as:

• Unusual tiredness
• Trouble sleeping
• Problems breathing
• Indigestion (upset stomach)
• Anxiety (feeling uneasy or worried)

If you think you, or someone else, may be having a heart attack, wait no more than a few minutes—five at most—before calling 911.

Heart disease often has no symptoms. But, there are some signs to watch for. Chest or arm pain or discomfort can be a symptom of heart disease and a warning sign of a heart attack. Shortness of breath (feeling like you can’t get enough air), dizziness, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), abnormal heartbeats, or feeling very tired also are signs. Talk with your doctor if you’re having any of these symptoms. Your doctor will take a medical history, do a physical exam, and may order tests.