Cervical cancer - are today’s young women at greater risk?

Gynaecological cancers are not common, particularly in the UK. If we add all the gynaecological cancers that occur each year together, they account for less than half of the cases of breast cancer. However, women may be concerned about the possibility of gynaecological cancers because, unlike breast cancer, the gynaecological organs are not easily visible. It is therefore important for women to be aware of the various screeningA way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to programmes for gynaecological cancers that exist and to also be aware of the symptoms so that the disease can be detected early where full cure is usually possible.

Pathology, according to The Royal College of Pathologists is; “the hidden science that every day saves lives by helping doctors to make the right decisions.”

As Dr Nigel Kellow points out in his excellent ‘Pain Management’ article, there are laboratory tests for pretty well every known substance in the body. These substances are normally either supposed to be present, or depending on amount mark a certain pathological (disease) state. As a result, laboratory testing combined with symptoms is the traditional first step to making a medical diagnosisThe process of determining which condition a patient may have..

Cervical cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. should be treated in a specialist unit known as a cancer centre. A team of experts, known as a multidisciplinaryRelating to a group of healthcare professionals with different areas of specialisation. team, will be involved in your care. The doctors who look after this disease are gynaecological oncologists (surgeons) or clinical oncologists (radiotherapyThe treatment of disease using radiation. experts). Other members of the team include a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNScentral nervous system or MacMillan Nurse), and a psychologist who are available to support you and look after your social and psychological needs throughout treatment and beyond. Not all hospitals have this expertise available and you may have to be referred from your local hospital to a cancer centre.

Introduction

To most people a standard pathology laboratory list of results is more akin to an Egyptian obelisk than anything actually meaningful or useful i.e. four columns of hieroglyphics! It is therefore useful to have our own plain English equivalent of the Rosetta Stone in order to translate some of the pathological hieroglyphs, and that is the purpose of this article.

Maintaining bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. glucoseA simple sugar that is an important source of energy in the body. levels at the right level is crucial to health; abnormally high or low glucose sugar levels are dangerous and if very severe can put a person into a coma.  The normal healthy body copes with the daily demands by producing higher or lower amounts of insulinA hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas that acts to lower blood glucose levels. to either rapidly metaboliseTo break down or process substances in the body. excess sugar, or reduce the rate at which it is taken from the blood stream. For people with diabetesA disorder caused by insufficient or absent production of the hormone insulin by the pancreas, or because the tissues are resistant to the effects., this finely controlled feedback mechanism no longer works properly which is why measurements of glucose levels is so important.