Category: Health
Persons With Asymptomatic Genital Herpes Still Shed Virus
Persons with herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infection but without symptoms shed virus in the genital tract less often than symptomatic individuals, but even in asymptomatic individuals, genital HSV shedding was often not associated with a lesion, suggesting a high risk for transmission from persons with unrecognized HSV-2 infection. Anna Wald, MD, MPH, senior author…
Read MoreObesity May Increase Complications of Abdominal Hysterectomy
Obesity may increase the risks of bleeding and infections after abdominal hysterectomy, but a body mass index (BMI) below 20 kg/m2 also seems to increase the risks of bleeding and infection after abdominal hysterectomy and laparoscopic hysterectomy, respectively, according to the results of an observational cohort study reported online April 5 in Human Reproduction. “We found that…
Read MoreMore Evidence Folic Acid Prevents Birth Defects
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – A new study finds that South Carolina’s rate of spina bifida and similar birth defects fell substantially after more women began taking folic acid — adding to evidence of the B vitamin’s benefits during pregnancy. Since 1998, the U.S. has required manufacturers to add folic acid to enriched flours, breads,…
Read MoreOlder Women Also Need Pap Smears
Women aged 70 and over should continue to get regular Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer, a study suggests. The study was presented at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. Researchers found that women aged 70 and over account for more than one in 10 cases of cervical cancer in…
Read MoreTiming of HRT Influences Breast Cancer Risk
Breast cancer risk associated with combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is greater if the therapy is started soon after menopause, according to the results of the observational Million Women Study conducted in the United Kingdom. Among current users of estrogen–progestin formulations, the relative risks for breast cancer were greater if use began less than 5…
Read MoreFor All Body Types, Exercise May Reduce Endometrial Cancer Risk
Women who exercise for at least 150 minutes a week might have a reduced risk for endometrial cancer, according to a study presented here at the Ninth Annual American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research. Exercise cuts the risk even for women who overweight, said Hannah Arem, a…
Read MoreModerate Physical Activity May Reduce Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Risk
Moderate physical activity may reduce postmenopausal breast cancer risk, according to the results of a prospective study in the October 25 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. “Physical activity has many health benefits,” write A. Heather Eliassen, ScD, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, and colleagues. “Although greater activity…
Read MoreHealthy Behaviors Lower Overall Breast Cancer Risk
Engaging in ‘breast-healthy’ behaviors – drinking alcohol in moderation, exercising regularly, and watching weight – appear to reduce a woman’s risk for the development of invasive breast cancer after menopause. However, healthy behaviors do not seem to modify risk attributable to a family history of later-onset breast cancer (FHLBC), according to a study published online…
Read MoreThe Breast Self Examination Controversy: What Providers and Patients Should Know
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. The efficacy of breast self-examination in decreasing cancer mortality is being questioned because of some recent evidence. This finding has led to various and controversial recommendations by key health organizations. This article explores this controversy and provides resources that nurse practitioners can use…
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