Tag

Pap Smear

All articles tagged with #pap smear

Midlabor Lump Leads to Terminal Cervical Cancer Diagnosis for 28-Year-Old Mom
health1 month ago

Midlabor Lump Leads to Terminal Cervical Cancer Diagnosis for 28-Year-Old Mom

Alex Stewart, 28, was in labor with her second child when midwives found a lump that biopsies later confirmed as cervical cancer. Despite chemotherapy and radiation, the disease progressed to a terminal stage with an estimated six months to two years to live. She’s undergoing a second round of treatment while caring for her eight‑month‑old son Teddy and three‑year‑old Elsie, living with her parents for support as friends raise funds. She urges others to get HPV vaccination and regular Pap tests, and she aims to spend as much meaningful time with her children as possible while fighting the illness.

Doctor Outlines Cervical Cancer Symptoms and Prevention
health2 months ago

Doctor Outlines Cervical Cancer Symptoms and Prevention

An NYU Langone gynecologic oncologist explains that HPV is extremely common and can lead to cervical cancer if persistent, but vaccines and regular screening (Pap smears and HPV tests, including self-administered options) substantially reduce risk and enable early detection. Cervical cancer often has no early symptoms; when present, warning signs include irregular vaginal bleeding, abnormal discharge, heavier or longer periods, pelvic pain, leg swelling, and urinary or bowel changes. Screening starts at 21, HPV testing is added around age 30, and regular pelvic exams with appropriate tests help catch cancer early, making it highly treatable when detected early.

Mom's Cervical Cancer Warning Sign Ignored at 44
health8 months ago

Mom's Cervical Cancer Warning Sign Ignored at 44

Melissa Sanders, a 44-year-old woman from Ohio, initially dismissed her heavy bleeding as perimenopause but was later diagnosed with Stage 3 cervical cancer after experiencing severe symptoms and undergoing screening. Her story highlights the importance of regular Pap smears and HPV vaccination in early detection and prevention of cervical cancer, emphasizing that women should prioritize their health and not neglect routine screenings.

"Negative Pap Smears Fail to Detect Cervical Cancer in Woman"
health2 years ago

"Negative Pap Smears Fail to Detect Cervical Cancer in Woman"

Avi Grant-Noonan, a woman with negative pap smears, was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer after years of abnormal bleeding and irregular periods. Despite two pap smears failing to identify her yearslong HPV infection, she was eventually diagnosed in 2021 at the age of 34. Grant-Noonan advocates for HPV vaccination, raising awareness of cervical cancer, and encourages people to advocate for themselves at the doctor’s office. She underwent extensive treatment and is now in remission, using her experience to educate others about the importance of regular screenings and prioritizing health.

Misdiagnosed: Tragic Death of UK Mom from Cervical Cancer After Clear Screening Results
health2 years ago

Misdiagnosed: Tragic Death of UK Mom from Cervical Cancer After Clear Screening Results

A British mother, Kerry Pugh, died from Stage IV cervical cancer after doctors wrongly marked an abnormal pap smear and biopsy as clear, despite her experiencing bleeding. She had a decade-long history of abnormal cells on her cervix and was told her 2018 pap smear came back normal, but an audit after her death revealed severe cell change. Her husband is considering legal action and urges women to be aware of cervical cancer signs, as the disease is often diagnosed at late stages. Kerry Pugh leaves behind three children, and the hospital and NHS Trust offered condolences to the family.

The One Thing Gynecologists Avoid Before a Pap Smear
health2 years ago

The One Thing Gynecologists Avoid Before a Pap Smear

Gynecologists recommend avoiding the use of intravaginal products, such as creams for yeast infections or vaginal estrogen products, before a pap smear as they can interfere with the test results. Douching is also discouraged. The rules regarding intercourse before a pap smear vary, but it's generally advised to avoid it for 24 hours before the appointment. Grooming is not necessary. Consider rescheduling if your period is heavy on the day of the test. It's important to stay relaxed during the appointment and come prepared with relevant medical and sexual history. Pap smears are a crucial screening tool for cervical cancer and can help decrease the risk of the disease.

The Essential Precaution Gynecologists Always Take Before a Pap Smear
health2 years ago

The Essential Precaution Gynecologists Always Take Before a Pap Smear

Gynecologists advise against using intravaginal products, such as creams for yeast infections or vaginal estrogen products, before a pap smear as they can interfere with the test. Douching is also discouraged. The rules regarding intercourse before a pap smear vary, but it's generally recommended to avoid it for 24 hours before the appointment. Grooming is not necessary, and there's no problem with having a pap smear during menstruation, although heavy flow days may affect the sample. It's important to stay relaxed during the appointment and come prepared with past medical and sexual history. Pap smears are a crucial screening tool for cervical cancer and can help decrease the risk of the disease.

The Essential Precaution Gynecologists Always Take Before a Pap Smear
health2 years ago

The Essential Precaution Gynecologists Always Take Before a Pap Smear

Gynecologists advise against using intravaginal products, such as creams for yeast infections or vaginal estrogen products, before a pap smear as they can interfere with the test results. Douching is also discouraged. The rules regarding intercourse before a pap smear vary, but it's generally recommended to avoid it for 24 hours before the appointment. Grooming is not necessary, and there's no problem with having a pap smear during menstruation, although heavy flow days may affect the sample. It's important to stay relaxed during the appointment and come prepared with relevant medical and sexual history. Pap smears are a crucial screening tool for cervical cancer, and encouraging others to get screened can help decrease their risk as well.

health2 years ago

"Embarrassing Gynecologist Questions Answered"

In this episode of ITK: Hack the Cycle, host Nadya Okamoto asks board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Nicole Sparks questions about gynecologists that people are too shy to ask. Dr. Sparks answers questions about pap smears, vaginal hygiene, UTIs, and the morning after pill. She recommends getting a pap smear every three years starting at the age of 21, washing the vagina with just water, and wiping front-to-back to prevent UTIs. There isn't a weight limit for the morning after pill, but it may be less effective for people over a certain weight.

"Embarrassing Gynecologist Questions Answered"
health2 years ago

"Embarrassing Gynecologist Questions Answered"

In this episode of ITK: Hack the Cycle, host Nadya Okamoto asks board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Nicole Sparks questions about gynecologists that many people are too shy to ask. Dr. Sparks answers questions about pap smears, vaginal hygiene, UTIs, and more. She recommends getting a pap smear every three years starting at age 21, washing the vagina with just water, and wiping front-to-back to prevent UTIs.

"Embarrassing Gynecologist Questions Answered"
health2 years ago

"Embarrassing Gynecologist Questions Answered"

In this episode of ITK: Hack the Cycle, host Nadya Okamoto asks board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Nicole Sparks questions about gynecologists that many people are too shy to ask. Dr. Sparks answers questions about pap smears, vaginal hygiene, UTIs, and more. She recommends getting a pap smear every three years starting at age 21, washing the vagina with just water, and wiping front-to-back to prevent UTIs.