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The insider story.
[08-09-1999]
By:
Dr. Allan Harrison
This
decade has presented women with many challenges, however, the good
news is that more women are living longer, the Census Bureau reports
that there are 25,000 women currently alive over 100 years of age.
Some of the more serious challenges that remain
to be tackled include cancer (cardiovascular and breast), AIDS,
sexually transmitted diseases (STD), pregnancy issues and the
increase in female cigarette smoking.
Every year more than 12 million cases of sexually
transmitted Diseases (STD's) are reported in the United States
and the health impact of STDs is particularly severe for women.
The infections often cause few or no symptoms and may go untreated.
Women, in particular, are at risk because many complications can
arise from STDs, including ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, infertility,
chronic pelvic pain, and poor pregnancy outcomes.
During the 1990's an estimated 2 million American
women will be diagnosed with breast cancer or cervical cancers
and half a million will die from these diseases. In addition,
AIDS is now the fourth leading cause of death among U.S. women
25 to 44 years of age.
The available treatments are medical(non-surgical),
and surgery.
One of the most surprising changes has occurred
in smoking habits; it is estimated that at least 22 million women
and at least 1.5 million adolescent girls currently smoke cigarettes.
Among women, use of tobacco has been shown to increase the risk
of cancer, heart and respiratory diseases, and reproductive disorders.
More than 140,000 women die each year from smoking-related diseases.
Menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, contraception,
fertility, and menopause present special health care needs for
women.
These newer and less invasive therapies utilise
laser, radio frequency, microwaves, and ultrasound. The most promising
and effective of these at this time is called tuna, or transurethral
needle ablation, which utilises radio-frequency to heat and selectively
destroy the excess prostatic tissue. This procedure is done on
an outpatient basis, using local anaesthetic, and represents a
major improvement over the conventional surgical treatments.
In next week's article, written by our Family Physician
Panel, we will delve into understanding these Illnesses and how
to take charge of your health.
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