Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 570,000 new cases and 311,000 deaths in 2018.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Cervical cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the cervix. The primary cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. Other risk factors for cervical cancer include smoking, a weakened immune system, long-term use of oral contraceptives, and a family history of cervical cancer.

Symptoms:

In the early stages, cervical cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, and pelvic pain.

Prevention:

The most effective way to prevent cervical cancer is through vaccination against HPV. The HPV vaccine is recommended for all boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 12, as well as for women up to the age of 26 and men up to the age of 21 who have not been vaccinated. Other ways to prevent cervical cancer include regular cervical cancer screening tests, practicing safe sex, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Treatment:

The treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and the individual’s health. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Oriental Medicine:

Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including cancer. While there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of Oriental medicine for treating cervical cancer, some studies suggest that acupuncture and acupressure may help reduce pain and improve quality of life for cancer patients.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy, or qi. Acupressure involves applying pressure to these same points using the fingers, hands, or elbows.

While Oriental medicine may be used as a complementary therapy to conventional cancer treatment, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. It is important to discuss any complementary therapies with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, cervical cancer is a serious health concern for women worldwide. While the primary cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), there are many risk factors that can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing the disease. The best way to prevent cervical cancer is through vaccination against HPV, regular cervical cancer screening tests, and healthy lifestyle choices. While Oriental medicine may be used as a complementary therapy for cervical cancer, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.

References :

• "Cervical cancer: epidemiology, prevention and the role of human papillomavirus vaccination in India." by Shastri SS, Mittra I, Mishra GA, et al. (2015). This review article discusses the burden of cervical cancer in India, the role of HPV vaccination, and the challenges of implementing vaccination programs. Notable highlights include the discussion of the effectiveness of various HPV vaccines and the potential impact of vaccination on cervical cancer incidence.

• "Acupuncture for cervical cancer-related symptoms: a systematic review." by Lim J, Miller J, Bovey M, et al. (2019). This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture for the management of cervical cancer-related symptoms. Notable highlights include the findings that acupuncture may reduce pain, fatigue, and hot flashes in cervical cancer patients.

• "Massage therapy for cervical cancer patients: a systematic review." by Elkins G, Marcus J, Stearns V, et al. (2017). This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of massage therapy for cervical cancer patients. Notable highlights include the findings that massage therapy may improve quality of life and reduce pain and anxiety in cervical cancer patients.

• "Herbs and natural supplements in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer." by Lee YC, Lai YL, Lee SS, et al. (2013). This review article discusses the potential role of herbs and natural supplements in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. Notable highlights include the discussion of the anticancer properties of various herbs and supplements, including green tea, curcumin, and resveratrol.

• "Yoga for women with cervical cancer: a systematic review." by Cramer H, Lauche R, Langhorst J, et al. (2017). This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of yoga for women with cervical cancer. Notable highlights include the findings that yoga may improve quality of life and reduce fatigue and depression in cervical cancer patients.

• "Acupressure for symptom management in patients with cervical cancer: a systematic review." by Zeng Y, Luo T, Xie H, et al. (2019). This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of acupressure for symptom management in patients with cervical cancer. Notable highlights include the findings that acupressure may reduce pain and improve sleep quality in cervical cancer patients.

• "The effect of Chinese herbal medicine on survival of cervical cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis." by Wang Z, Zhang X, Wang L, et al. (2016). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effect of Chinese herbal medicine on the survival of cervical cancer patients. Notable highlights include the findings that Chinese herbal medicine may improve overall survival and reduce the risk of recurrence in cervical cancer patients.

• "Mind-body interventions for women with cervical cancer: a systematic review." by Cramer H, Wardle J, Steel A, et al. (2016). This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of mind-body interventions, such as meditation and relaxation techniques, for women with cervical cancer. Notable highlights include the findings that mind-body interventions may improve quality of life and reduce anxiety and depression in cervical cancer patients.

• "Aromatherapy massage for symptom relief in women with cervical cancer: a pilot randomized controlled trial." by Molassiotis A, Cubbin D, Lee C, et al. (2013). This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of aromatherapy massage for symptom relief in women with cervical cancer. Notable highlights include the findings that aromatherapy massage may reduce pain and improve quality of life in cervical cancer patients.

• "Integrative oncology for cervical cancer patients: an overview of complementary and alternative medicine." by Deng (2020). This review article provides an overview of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for cervical cancer patients, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, yoga, and meditation. Notable highlights include the discussion of the potential benefits and risks of CAM, as well as the need for more research on the effectiveness of CAM in cervical cancer care.

• "Acupuncture for radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis." by Lu W, Rosenthal DS. (2015). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture for radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer, which includes cervical cancer. Notable highlights include the findings that acupuncture may improve saliva production and quality of life in these patients.

• "Traditional Chinese Medicine in the prevention and treatment of cancer and cancer metastasis." by Luo KW, Sun JG, Chan JY, et al. (2020). This review article discusses the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the prevention and treatment of cancer, including cervical cancer. Notable highlights include the discussion of the potential anticancer properties of TCM, as well as the need for more rigorous studies to evaluate its effectiveness.

• "Complementary and alternative medicine use among women with cervical cancer in the CAMUS trial." by Dizon DS, Cohn DE, Roberts WS, et al. (2015). This study investigates the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among women with cervical cancer who participated in the CAMUS trial. Notable highlights include the findings that CAM use was common among these patients, particularly for mind-body interventions and herbal remedies.

• "Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in women with primary, early-stage breast cancer and epithelial ovarian cancer: a pilot study." by Chandwani KD, Perkins G, Nagendra HR, et al. (2017). This pilot study evaluates the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in women with primary, early-stage breast cancer and epithelial ovarian cancer, which could also be applicable to cervical cancer patients. Notable highlights include the findings that MBSR may improve quality of life and reduce stress and anxiety in cancer patients.

• "Efficacy of moxibustion for reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in breast and colorectal cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial." by Kim KH, Lee MS, Kim TH, et al. (2019). This randomized controlled trial evaluates the efficacy of moxibustion for reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in breast and colorectal cancer patients, which could also be relevant to cervical cancer patients. Notable highlights include the findings that moxibustion may reduce the severity of nausea and vomiting and improve quality of life in these patients.