Mother’s Day Mini-lesson: Guarding Mom’s Health

Mother's Day is coming up soon. Have you prepared your blessings for your mom on this special day? While sending your blessings, don't forget to take care of your mom's health! Today, Bigfish has prepared a health guide that will take you through how to protect your mother's health.
At present, the major gynecological malignant tumors with high incidence rate among women in China are ovarian cancer, cervical cancer and breast cancer. They seriously threaten women's health and life. The causes and mechanisms of these three tumors are different, but they are all related to genetics, endocrine and living habits. Therefore, the key to prevent these tumors is early detection and treatment, as well as taking some effective preventive measures.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the most deadly malignant tumor of female reproductive system, which mostly occurs in postmenopausal women. Early symptoms are not obvious and often delay the diagnosis. The development of ovarian cancer is related to factors such as heredity, estrogen level, number of ovulation and reproductive history. In order to prevent ovarian cancer, it is recommended to pay attention to the following points:
-Regular gynecological examinations, including pelvic examinations, ultrasound examinations and tumor marker examinations, especially for high-risk groups with family history of ovarian cancer or genetic susceptibility gene mutations (e.g. BRCA1/2), should be screened annually starting from the age of 30 or 35.
- Pay attention to the regularity of menstruation and ovulation. If there is abnormal menstruation or anovulation, you should seek medical advice promptly to regulate the endocrine level and avoid long-term single estrogen stimulation.
- Properly control weight, avoid obesity, and increase exercise to improve metabolic levels and lower estrogen levels.
- Choose contraceptive methods reasonably and avoid using estrogen-containing oral contraceptives or implantable contraceptive devices, instead choose to use progestogen-containing contraceptives or condoms, etc.
- Increase the number of births and breastfeeding time appropriately, and reduce the number of ovulations and estrogen exposure time.
- Avoid exposure to toxic and carcinogenic substances such as asbestos, pesticides, dyes, etc.
- For patients who are at high risk or have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, consider prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy or targeted therapy (e.g. PARP inhibitors) under the guidance of a physician.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the female reproductive system, occurring mostly in women between the ages of 30 and 50. The main cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a virus transmitted through sexual contact with more than 100 different subtypes, some of which are known as high-risk HPV and can cause abnormal changes in cervical cells, which can then develop into cervical cancer. High-risk HPV types include types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58 and 59. Among them, types 16 and 18 are the most common, accounting for more than 70% of all cervical cancers. Cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease, and if precancerous lesions can be detected and treated in time, the incidence and mortality rate of cervical cancer can be effectively reduced. The most effective way to prevent cervical cancer is HPV vaccination. HPV vaccine can prevent some high-risk HPV infections and thus reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Currently, three HPV vaccines have been approved for marketing in China, namely bivalent, quadrivalent and nine-valent vaccines. Among them, the bivalent HPV vaccine targets HPV16 and HPV18 infections and can prevent 70% of cervical cancers. The quadrivalent HPV vaccine covers not only the two bivalent ones, but also HPV6 and HPV11, which can prevent 70% of cervical cancer and 90% of acromegaly. The nine-valent HPV vaccine, on the other hand, targets nine HPV subtypes and can prevent 90% of cervical cancers. The vaccine is recommended for women aged 9-45 years who are not infected with HPV before. In addition to this, the following preventive measures are available for cervical cancer:
1. Regular cervical cancer screening. Cervical cancer screening can detect precancerous cervical lesions or early cervical cancer in time for effective treatment to avoid the progression and metastasis of cancer. Currently, the main methods of cervical cancer screening are HPV DNA testing, cytology (Pap smear) and visual inspection with acetic acid staining (VIA). WHO recommends HPV DNA testing every 5-10 years for women over 30 years of age and, if positive, triage and treatment. If HPV DNA testing is not available, cytology or VIA is performed every 3 years.
2. Pay attention to personal hygiene and sexual health. Personal hygiene and sexual health are important tools to prevent HPV infection. Women are advised to change their underwear and bedding frequently, wear breathable and comfortable cotton underwear, and avoid using soaps, lotions, and other irritating substances to wash the vulva. Also, women are advised to maintain the stability and fidelity of their sexual partners, avoid multiple sexual partners or unsafe sex, and use condoms and other contraceptive measures.
3. Quit smoking and drinking to strengthen immunity. Smoking and drinking alcohol can damage the body's immune system, reduce resistance to HPV infection and increase the risk of cervical cancer. Therefore, women are advised to quit smoking and drinking, maintain good living habits, eat more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and fibers, and take physical exercise appropriately to improve their physical fitness.
4. Actively treat related gynecological diseases.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women, which seriously affects women's health and quality of life. Its symptoms include: breast lumps, nipple invagination, nipple overflow, skin changes, enlarged axillary lymph nodes and breast pain.
Breast cancer prevention mainly includes the following aspects:
I. Weight control and diet

Obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer, especially for postmenopausal women. Obesity can lead to elevated estrogen levels, stimulating breast cell proliferation and increasing the risk of breast cancer. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding excessive obesity is an important measure to prevent breast cancer.
In terms of diet, it is recommended to eat more foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts, which can strengthen the body's immunity and resist cancer. At the same time, it is necessary to eat less high-fat, high-calorie, high-salt, fried, barbecued and other unhealthy foods, which can increase the production of free radicals in the body, damage cellular DNA and promote cancerous changes.
2.moderate exercise
Exercise can improve blood circulation, promote metabolism, lower estrogen levels and reduce the chance of estrogen stimulation of breast cells. Exercise can also relieve stress, regulate emotions and enhance psychological quality, which is beneficial to the prevention of breast cancer.
At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of high intensity aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc., are recommended every week. At the same time, it is also necessary to do some plyometric and flexibility training, such as doing push-ups, sit-ups, stretching, etc. Exercise should pay attention to the appropriate amount of moderate, to avoid overexertion and injury.
3.regular checkups
For women with a family history of cancer, genetic testing for cancer is one of the effective means of cancer prevention. Cancer itself is not hereditary, but cancer susceptibility genes can be inherited. Genetic testing can roughly determine the type of tumor gene mutation in the patient herself. Screening for high-risk groups carrying mutated genes can not only predict the risk of cancer, but also formulate targeted health management plans for early prevention and intervention. Take breast cancer as an example, 15% to 20% of breast cancer patients have family history. High-risk people who have a tendency to have a family history of tumor can be considered for precise cancer prevention screening. A small amount of venous blood can be drawn, and whether it carries cancer susceptibility genes or driver genes can be detected in about 10 days through fluorescent quantitative PCR testing or second-generation sequencing technology for blood specimens. For patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, genetic testing can help in precise treatment and determine whether targeted therapeutic drugs can be used. Likewise, genetic testing is required before proceeding with tumor immunotherapy to determine whether a patient is suitable for an immunotherapy regimen.
On the occasion of Mother's Day, Bigfried Sequence would like to wish all mothers in the world good health. Forward this tweet to your friends and write down your wishes for your mother, take a screenshot and send us a private message, we will randomly select a friend to send a Mother's Day gift for your mother after the holiday. Finally, don't forget to say "Happy Holidays" to your mother.