women health and cancer awareness/ Dr Jyothishmathi/Part
Prioritizing Women’s Health: A Heartfelt Conversation on Cancer Awareness The recent session led by The Essence Group and Dr. Jyothishmathi focused on empowering women with knowledge about their health, especially concerning cancers like breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer. The discussion wasn’t just about sharing facts,it was about creating a supportive space for women to feel heard, understood, and equipped to take charge of their understanding.
Spotting the Early Signs of Breast Cancer
Dr. Jyothishmathi spoke with compassion about how many women are diagnosed with breast cancer at advanced stages because they weren’t aware of the early signs. She emphasized that self-awareness is key. To help women recognize potential red flags, she shared images showing:
Skin Dimpling: This could look like tiny dents on the skin and might be caused by a mass underneath.
Nipple Retraction: A nipple turning inward instead of sticking out could signal an issue.
Mass with Skin Changes: A lump with overlying skin that has dimples was highlighted as another sign to watch for. Women were encouraged to take just a few minutes each month to examine their breasts. Check for lumps, skin changes, unusual pain, or discharge. These simple steps can save lives. And if anything feels off, seeking a mammogram or an ultrasound (for younger women) can make all the difference.
Cervical Cancer: What Every Woman Should Know
The cervix plays such a vital role in women’s health, yet many women aren’t aware of how important it is to keep it healthy. Dr. Jyothishmathi shared that cervical cancer often develops slowly over time, giving us plenty of opportunities to catch it early.
The Role of HPV: HPV is a common virus that can sometimes cause cervical cancer. Thankfully, it takes years,up to 20,for cancer to develop, which gives us time to act.
Regular Screenings: A Pap smear can detect early changes in cervical cells. Dr. Jyothishmathi suggested that women aged 21–30 should get one every three years, and women aged 30–65 should go every three to five years.
HPV Vaccination: She recommended getting vaccinated early, ideally before the first sexual activity. It’s a simple, powerful way to protect against HPV and, by extension, cervical cancer.
She also addressed the hesitation many women feel about Pap smears, assuring that the procedure is quick and painless,and could save lives.
Understanding Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer
Dr. Jyothishmathi explained that cancers of the uterus and ovaries are harder to detect because the symptoms are often vague.
Endometrial Cancer: This cancer often shows up as abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or heavy periods, especially after menopause. Diagnosing it involves either a hysteroscopy (using a camera to examine the uterus) or a pipelle biopsy (a simpler, less invasive test).
Ovarian Cancer: Called a silent killer because it’s usually caught late, ovarian cancer has symptoms like bloating, weight changes, and urinary issues. High-risk women,those with family histories of ovarian or breast cancer,should be particularly cautious. Regular pelvic exams and CA-125 blood tests can help in early detection.
Lifestyle Changes to Lower Cancer Risks
the session, there was an emphasis on how small changes in lifestyle can lead to big health benefits. Dr. Jyothishmathi shared some practical advice:
Eat Well: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants helps combat harmful free radicals in the body.
Stay Active: Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, which reduces the risk of several cancers.Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both can increase cancer risks, so cutting back or quitting altogether can make a significant difference.She also stressed that while living a healthy life lowers risks, cancer can still happen—and that’s okay. What’s important is to catch it early and face it with strength and hope.
Overcoming Fear and Spreading Awareness
One of the most touching parts of the session was when Dr. Jyothishmathi addressed the fear and stigma surrounding cancer. Many women delay seeking help because they’re scared of what they might find out. Others don’t prioritize their own health because they’re so focused on caring for their families.Her message was clear: Your health matters. If you take care of yourself, you’re also taking care of your loved ones. She encouraged women to talk openly about their health, support each other, and never feel ashamed to ask for help or share their concerns.She also reminded everyone that cancer is not a death sentence. Many types of cancer, when caught early, are completely treatable. Advances in medicine mean that more women are surviving cancer and living full, healthy lives.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Action
The session ended with a heartfelt reminder that we all have a role to play in raising awareness. Whether it’s wearing a pink ribbon for breast cancer or simply encouraging a friend to get a Pap smear, every small step counts.
Women were urged to:
Be aware of their bodies and recognize any changes.
Schedule regular health check-ups and screenings.
Share what they’ve learned with friends and family.
The message was simple yet powerful: Health is wealth. By prioritizing our wellbeing, we can lead longer, happier lives and inspire others to do the same.
It’s not just about surviving cancer,it’s about thriving and living life to the fullest. And that starts with awareness, action, and a little bit of love for ourselves and for each othe
https://youtu.be/dZZlQ1x6o2g ---- this is the link
