Weekly Emails & Health Tips

Home > Weekly Emails & Health Tips > June 17, 2008

Check Yourself Out: Breast & Reproductive Health

The WOMAN Challenge Newsletter
June 17, 2008

Second to skin cancer, Breast Cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in this country. Each year, more than 211,000 American women learn they have this disease. Additionally, each year over 70,000 American women learn they have one form of Gynecologic Cancer, which is defined as any cancer that starts in a woman's reproductive organs. Read more to learn about risk factors for these cancers, how to take steps for early detection, and different prevention strategies.

In this issue...

• WOMAN Challenge Tip
  
  
• Check Yourself Out – 18 and Older
  • Things you should know about Breast Cancer
  • Gynecologic cancers: What do you know?
  • Breast and reproductive health resources
    
    
• Your Body and You – 17 and Younger
  • Health professionals you can talk to
  • Your body and you resources

WOMAN Challenge Tip

• Did you know there are women, girls, and even men and boys participating in the WOMAN Challenge from around the country and across the globe?! You can find up-to-date information on WOMAN Challenge participants including a breakdown - by state, territory, country, and region - of where participants they are located. Fast Facts allows you to see the total number of participants, the state with the most participants, and even the average age of WOMAN Challenge participants! Visit the Challenge Participant Statistics page today to find out how your home state/territory/country ranks!

Check Yourself Out – 18 and Older

Breast cancer is second only to skin cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. Adding early detection measures to your regular to-do list such as performing self examinations, knowing your family history, and receiving regular mammograms as determined by your health care provider are the best known ways to detect breast cancer early.

Things you should know about Breast Cancer

• Self-examinations should be conducted at the same time in your cycle each month by women of all ages. Talk to your health care provider about specific instructions for conducting self-examinations. Check out our resources to find out How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam.
• The earlier the better! Early detection of breast cancer means better health outcomes. Talk to your health care provider about getting screened (and how often).
• Be Active! A woman who exercises a total of four hours per week reduces her risk of breast cancer.
• Eat fruits and vegetables! A healthy, low-fat diet decreases your risk of breast cancer.

Gynecologic cancers: What do you know?

Cancer is always named for the part of the body where it starts. Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in a woman's reproductive organs. There are five major gynecologic cancers: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. The five gynecologic cancers begin in different places within a woman's pelvis, which is the area below the stomach and in between the hip bones.

• Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow end of the uterus. (The uterus is also called the womb.)
• Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, which are located on each side of the uterus.
• Uterine cancer begins in the uterus, the pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis where the baby grows when a woman is pregnant.
• Vaginal cancer begins in the vagina, which is the hollow, tube-like channel between the bottom of the uterus and the outside of the body.
• Vulvar cancer begins in the vulva, the outer part of the female genital organs.

Each gynecologic cancer is unique, with different signs and symptoms, different risk factors, and different prevention strategies. All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and risk increases with age. Just as with breast cancer, treatment is most effective when gynecologic cancers are found early.

Breast and reproductive health resources

• Breast Cancer – Learn more about what you need to know about Breast Cancer.
• Understanding Breast Health – Information about breast health from the CDC.
• The Risk Factors of Breast Cancer – Many risk factors can be avoided. Others, such as family history, cannot. Learn what the risk factors are and how you can reverse your risk.
• How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam – Learn how perform self-examination.
• Gynecologic Cancer – Are you aware? Increase your knowledge of the five gynecological cancers.
• Health Myths: Get the Facts – Get the facts on cancer and other important health topics to make smart and informed decisions about your health.
• Breast Health Access for Women With Disabilities – Information on breast health for women with disabilities.
• HPV Vaccine Questions and Answers – Learn more from the CDC about Gardasil®, the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases in females caused by certain types of genital human papillomavirus (HPV).

Your Body and You – 17 and Younger

As you grow older, changes begin to happen in your body and your reproductive system. You need to know what to expect and how to stay healthy. If you have questions or notice changes that you are not sure are normal, talk to one of your parents or your guardian. You can also talk to your school nurse, doctor, teacher, relative, or another adult you trust. And remember, no question is silly. Every girl has questions - you don't have to be embarrassed about not knowing something and asking about it!

Health professionals you can talk to

• Pediatrician – A pediatrician is a doctor that cares for children and teens. Some pediatricians have special training in reproductive health, but not all. Your pediatrician can help you find someone who can take care of you if he or she doesn't feel qualified.
• Gynecologist – A gynecologist is a doctor who focuses on women's reproductive health. You may need to visit a gynecologist as you get older.
• Adolescent Specialist – This type of doctor specializes in caring for teenagers.
• Nurse Practitioner (NP) – A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with special training. If your clinic or doctor's office has a NP, he or she can do many of the things a doctor can and will work with the doctor if you need special tests or medicines.
• Family Practitioner or General Practitioner – This is a doctor whose practice is not oriented to a specific medical specialty but instead covers a variety of medical problems in patients of all ages.

Your body and you resources

• Your Body – Do you have questions about your changing body? This is the right website for you! Learn all about your body, from your reproductive system, to how to get better sleep. You can even test your knowledge with interactive quizzes!
• The Reproductive System – Learn about the biology of the reproductive system.
• Guide To Your Period – Find out what's happening to your body each day of your cycle.
• HPV Vaccine Questions and Answers – Learn more from the CDC about Gardasil®, the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases in females caused by certain types of genital human papillomavirus (HPV).

Content last updated June 17, 2008.