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WOMEN’S HEALTH
A STRONG
DEFENSE
In the fight against female reproductive cancers,
the saying that “the best offense is a good
defense” holds true. Follow these tips to gain a
powerful advantage.
MORE THAN 80,000 women in the United
States are diagnosed with a gynecologic
cancer each year, and more than 25,000 of
these cases result in death. These three most
common gynecologic cancers must be fought
head-on.
Women aren’t helpless against gynecologic
cancers. Nutritious eating, healthy living
practices and medical help can reduce risk.
OPPONENT NO. 1: UTERINE CANCER
Women can defend against uterine cancer
by watching their diet. Avoiding drinks with
lots of sugar can greatly reduce risk. Adding
high-fiber foods, such as black beans and
broccoli, also fights cancer development.
Regular exercise helps, too. Women whose
weight is at a healthy level have a lower risk
of developing uterine cancer.
Finally, talking with your OB/GYN about
any uncommon menstrual issues can lead to
catching uterine cancer early.
“Uterine cancer is the most common and
curable reproductive cancer, and it often
shows up as abnormal bleeding,” says David
McIntosh, MD, gynecologic oncologist at
Medical Center, Navicent Health. “The uterus
is a muscular organ that can contain cancer
a while before it spreads, so we can often
detect and treat it in early stages.”
OPPONENT NO. 2: CERVICAL CANCER
Cervical cancer has a clear weak spot:
Your primary care provider knows where it
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comes from. Most cases of cervical cancer are harder to cure, so it’s especially
are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) important for women to reduce risk.
infections, and you can get a vaccine to
protect you from HPV. High-fat diets and obesity can make this
cancer more likely, so a vegetable-based
“Very few diseases this serious can be diet and an active lifestyle can help prevent
prevented by a vaccine,” Dr. McIntosh notes. tumor development. Also, people with a
“I recommend everyone talk to their primary family history of ovarian cancer should ask
care provider about it.” their physician about testing.
Women can also reduce risk by practicing “As a group, reproductive cancers are
safe sex, avoiding smoking, and adding fruits the most curable ones people encounter,”
and vegetables to their diet. Additionally, Dr. McIntosh says. “We always work with
having a regular Pap test can find early signs patients to provide the treatment that offers
of cervical cancer. Talk with your doctor at the highest chance of a long life.”
your next appointment about scheduling
screenings and tests. SPEAK WITH YOUR GYNECOLOGIST
ABOUT CANCER SCREENINGS. VISIT
OPPONENT NO. 3: OVARIAN CANCER WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG AND CLICK
ON THE “SERVICES & CENTERS” TAB TO
Ovarian cancer typically becomes FIND CARE NEARBY.
noticeable in late stages through abdominal
bloating or swelling. Cancers at this point
CALL IN THE REINFORCEMENTS!
Peyton Anderson Cancer Center, Navicent Health provides comprehensive cancer
care here in central Georgia. The center brings outpatient cancer services and physicians
together under one roof so you save time, travel and stress.
“One of our goals at the center is to make cancer treatment a one-stop
experience so people don’t have to see too many specialists at separate times,” says
David McIntosh, MD, gynecologic oncologist at Medical Center, Navicent Health. “We
take pride in helping people go through the process without a lot of waiting for follow-up
or second appointments.”
The Peyton Anderson Cancer Center, Navicent Health team also provides special
medications, clinical trials and research studies here in central Georgia.
11HOLIDAY 2015 | navicenthealth.org
9/28/15 3:36 PM