Healthy Women Today. A Newsletter from the National Women's Health Information Center (www.4woman.gov, 1-800-994-9662). The Office on Women's Health, U S Department of Health and Human Services

January 2002 edition

FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Despite the recent horrific events in America, we are reminded daily by images in the news that so many families in other parts of the world must live life in poverty, with the daily fear of death and oppression. Let's hope the new year 2002 is truly one that brings peace to the millions of people who suffer in ways we cannot imagine.

This New Year, perhaps more than any other in recent years, offers us a chance to give thanks for what good fortune we have, and to assess if we are really taking advantage of our blessings. Are you really taking care of yourself? This is the time to set new goals and make changes even in the smallest details of our lives. Sign up to get our weekly Pick Your Path to Health health tips -- small steps that can make a big difference. Click on the yellow icon in the upper right corner of the NWHIC home page.

Starting with January, you can be proactive by scheduling your first pap smear on the 11th in celebration of FREE PAP SMEAR DAY. After all, it is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Learn more at: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/info-cc.htm. Afterwards, schedule an appointment to see your eye doctor. Some of you might be at higher risk than others for glaucoma (especially if you are an African-American, over 40, or have a family history of eye conditions like glaucoma). Let's face it, though, all of us are at some risk, so make that appointment!

If you are like me, this is a tough time of year to eat well. There's no gorgeous summer produce in sight, extra pounds gained over the holidays only make me more sluggish and less motivated . . . and then there's all those leftover holiday goodies. Our New Year's gift to you is a bunch of delicious low calorie recipes in this month's newsletter (try the yummy Patriotic cheesecake). If you are on a diet, remember that it needs to be safe and include all the recommended daily allowances of vitamins, minerals and proteins. Click here for more information: http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2000/document/frontcover.htm. Remember that you will never achieve your goals without lots of physical activity! Check out our Women's Health and Body Image (http://www.4woman.gov/BodyImage/) section on NWHIC for more ideas on staying healthy and beautiful at the same time!

Congratulations to Carolyn Lofgren from our office, as well as our fabulous regional women's health coordinators and their state counterparts for a terrific December conference here in Washington. Kudos also to the team who pulled off a super event dedicating the Women's Health Time Capsule, the brainchild of Susan Clark, OWH's Director of the Division of Program Management. Makes you wonder how 22nd century women will feel about dieting and body image! Stand by for more information as we do the Time Capsule groundbreaking in May. Check http://www.4woman.gov/timecapsule/ for more information and photos of some of the Time Capsule items.

In my household, the New Year begins with the burial of our beloved guinea pig Oreo, and my eleven year old's efforts to console Oreo's lifelong partner Fluffy. Ah parenthood! We also start driving lessons for my teenage son, which brings its own set of worries! I am thankful that at least for the moment, life for us goes on in all of its splendid normalcy.

2001 is a year we will never forget, but it is time to let it go. May the new year bring for all of you an increased sense of safety and an extra dose of patience and love for each other.

Carol Krause
Director of Communications, Office on Women's Health, DHHS

 

IMPORTANT NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOW available at NWHIC!! - The 2002 Women's Health Daybook: "Women Living Long, Living Well." Call our toll-free call center at: (800) 994-9662 and mention the NEWSLETTER to order your FREE individual copy today, and pass the word on to your friends! While you are calling in, take the opportunity to speak to the Information Specialists about free publications on your specific health concerns. Call soon because supplies are very limited.

The National Women's Health Information Center (http://www.4woman.gov/) is a 2001 Winner of the Aesculapius Award of Excellence. The Health Improvement Institute gives the Aesculapius Award of Excellence each year for outstanding World Wide Web site entries. Aesculapius Awards are intended to promote excellence in health communications. Aesculapius Awards of Excellence are given to producers of health-related radio and television PSAs (public service announcements) and World Wide Web sites that Health Improvement Institute judges consider excellent in communicating health information to the public.

 

JANUARY NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES

 

JANUARY FEATURED HEALTH ARTICLE

In celebration of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the National Women's Health Information Center would like to raise public awareness about Cervical Cancer. One of the first steps in early detection and successful treatment of this cancer is getting regular pap smears. It is also important to know what can increase your chances of developing this cancer. Don't forget, January 11th is FREE PAP SMEAR DAY!!!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS -- CERVICAL CANCER

What is cervical cancer?

Cancer of the cervix, a very common kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the cervix. The cervix is the opening of the uterus (womb). It connects the uterus to the vagina (the birth canal). Cancer of the cervix usually grows slowly over a period of time. Before cancer cells are found on the cervix, the tissues of the cervix go through changes in which abnormal cells begin to appear (a condition called dysplasia). Later, cancer starts to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to surrounding areas.

What are the risk factors for developing cervical cancer?

According to the National Cancer Institute, strong risk factors include early age at first intercourse, a history of multiple sexual partners, genital human papillomavirus infection (HPV) or other sexually transmitted disease (STD), and the presence or history of other genital tract abnormalities. Women age 60 and above are at greater risk for cervical cancer than are women in other age groups because these older women are less willing or able to seek medical care for early screening. One reason that many of these women do not get screened for cervical cancer is that they often don't view themselves as being at risk. Other risk factors include active or passive ("second-hand") smoking, poor nutrition, and a current or past sexual partner with risk factors for STDs, or HIV/AIDS.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

There are no real symptoms of the early stages of cervical cancer. That is why is it is so important that your doctor does a series of tests regularly to look for it. The first of these is a Pap smear, which is done by using a piece of cotton, a brush, or a small wooden stick to gently scrape the outside of the cervix to pick up some cells that can be examined under a microscope. You may feel some pressure, but you usually do not feel pain. Most cervical cancers can be caught early with regular screening. (Connect to the Internet link for "Pap Smear" listed at the top of this FAQ for more information.)

What if abnormal cells are seen on my Pap smear?

Results from five to 10% of Pap smears performed each year on women in the United States are reported as abnormal. Abnormal cell types include:

ASCUS and LSIL are considered mild abnormalities. HSIL is more severe and has a higher likelihood of progressing to invasive cancer.

If the Pap test abnormality is unclear or minor, the doctor may repeat the test to ensure accuracy. If the Pap test shows a significant abnormality, the doctor may then perform a test called a colposcopy. For this test, the doctor uses a magnifying instrument to view the tissue surrounding the vagina and cervix to check for any abnormalities. A Schiller test may also be performed. For this test, the doctor coats the cervix with an iodine solution. Healthy cells turn brown and abnormal cells turn white or yellow. Both of these procedures can be done in the doctor's office. Finally, the doctor may also remove a small amount of cervical tissue for examination. This procedure is called a biopsy and is the only sure way to know whether the abnormal cells indicate cancer.

What kind of attention do each type of cell abnormalities require?

All doctors agree that women who show HSIL cells on their Pap tests should receive a colposcopy and, if necessary, a biopsy. However, there is no agreement among doctors about how to manage women who show ASCUS or LSIL cells. Most doctors either perform immediate colposcopy and, if necessary, biopsy, as for women with high grade lesions. Since low-grade cell changes in many women tend to go back to normal on their own, other doctors choose to wait and repeat the Pap smear every four to six months, then perform colposcopy if the abnormality is still present.

The National Cancer Institute is conducting a study called the ASCUS/LSIL Triage Study to help doctors determine how to best manage these two abnormal cell types in women. So far, results show that it is helpful for women with ASCUS cells to also be tested for HPV to see if their abnormalities need immediate attention. The study found that many women with ASCUS cells who tested positive for HPV had precancer, or rarely, cancer. A negative HPV test provided strong reassurance that precancer or cancer was not present.

What are the treatments for cervical cancer?

Treatments for cancer of the cervix depend on the stage of disease, the size of the tumor, and a woman's age, overall physical condition, and desire to have children. Treatment for cervical cancer during pregnancy may be delayed, depending on the stage of the cancer and how many months of pregnancy remain. There are three kinds of treatment for women with cancer of the cervix:

The National Cancer Institute recommends that doctors should strongly consider giving chemotherapy at the same time as radiation therapy for women with invasive cervical cancer. Five major studies showed that chemotherapy that includes the drug cisplatin, when given at the same time as radiation therapy, prolongs survival in women with this disease. Up to now, surgery or radiation alone has been considered standard treatment for this form of cancer.

For more information . . .

You can find out more about cancer in women by contacting the National Women's Health Information Center (800-994-9662) or the following organizations:

National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service
Phone: (800) 422-6237
Internet Address: http://www.nci.nih.gov/

American Cancer Society
Phone: (800) 4-CANCER
Internet Address: http://www.cancer.org/

National Cervical Cancer Coalition
Phone: (800) 685-5531
Internet Address: http://www.nccc-online.org

This information was abstracted from the following fact sheets from the National Cancer Institute: Concurrent Chemotherapy and Radiation for Cervical Cancer - Questions and Answers; HPV Testing Shows Which Pap Abnormalities Need Attention; NCI ASCUS/LSIL Triage Study (ALTS); Questions and Answers About the Pap Test.

All material contained in the FAQs is free of copyright restrictions, and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services; citation of the sources is appreciated.

For the Easy to Read version of this FAQ please go to http://www.4woman.gov/faq/ccervix.htm.

 

SPANISH LANGUAGE MATERIALS

Did you know you can order Spanish Language Materials from NWHIC? Call our toll-free information center at: (800) 994-9662 and speak to a Spanish Information Specialist to learn how. Mention the "Healthy Women Today" newsletter and receive a free magnet as well as Spanish Language Material!

 

NWHIC's GUEST EDITOR ARTICLES

The Featured Health Articles on NWHIC's Web site this month are:

English Guest Editor:

"Depression - Seasonal Affective Disorders" from the National Mental Health Association.

"As the winter approaches and the days get shorter, some people experience a form of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)-an extreme case of the "winter blues" that is relieved during the spring and summer months."

To read this article, please go to: http://www.4woman.gov/editor/jan02/  

Spanish Guest Editor:

"Ladron Silenioso" (The Silent Thief) from the El-Universal's Aurora Blyde.

En la edad adultez, los huesos comienzan a perder tejido. La enfermedad (osteoporosis) ataca mucho antes de la edad avanzada, por lo que los médicos insisten en disminuir los factores de riesgo desde muy temprano.

Para leer el artículo completo porfavor vea al enlace: http://www.4woman.gov/editor/jan02/s-index.htm

 

IN RESPONSE TO RECENT EVENTS

Now more than ever, Federal agencies are beginning to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of another anthrax outbreak. Too many lives have already been lost due to this unbelievable act of terrorism. Although the threat has been reduced, employers and workers are still concerned about the cause and possible risk of exposure to the bacterium, Bacillius anthracis in the workplace. To learn more about actions being taken by the Federal Government click on the links below, or call our toll-free Information Service line at: 1-800-994-9662.

For additional information, you may contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at the numbers listed below for the most up-to-date information on Anthrax or the National Institute of Mental Health for information on mental health concerns:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Phone Number: (800) 311-3435
Fax Number: (404) 639-7331
Web Site: http://www.cdc.gov/

National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, HHS
Phone Number(s): (888) 826-9438
Fax Number:(301) 443-4279
Web Site: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

 

NEW AND UPDATED SECTIONS

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Woman's Health Time Capsule Initiative

On December 3, 2001, the Office on Women's Health (OWH) within the Department of Health and Human Services celebrated it's 10th Anniversary with the unveiling of a Women's Health Time Capsule in honor of the progresses made in Women's Health through out the 20th Century.

The Time Capsule designed to be opened in the year 2100 and contains more than 70 items that document how preventive health efforts and health communication activities targeting women evolved and improved over the last century.

For more information go to: http://www.4woman.gov/TimeCapsule/

 

COOKING HEALTHY IS EASY - START EATING RIGHT TODAY!

Now that the New Year is upon us, this is the perfect time to start that new diet, begin eating smarter or include that 30-minute walk into your schedule. Who else is going to take care of you, if YOU don't? To start you off on the right foot, the Calorie Control Council (www.caloriecontrol.org) has provided us with delicious recipes that are both tasty and healthy. Now eating healthy doesn't have to be so tedious.

Beverages:

Side Dishes:

Main Dish:

Dessert:

 

OWH NEWS, INITIATIVES and CAMPAIGNS

PICK YOUR PATH TO HEALTH

http://www.4woman.gov/PYPTH/index.htm
This initiative is to help women like you take simple and time-sensitive steps to improve your health. It also provides tools for local communities to promote practical, culturally relevant action steps to wellness. It's never too late to develop a healthy lifestyle. Start with a few easy steps!

JANUARY'S PICK YOUR PATH TO HEALTH THEME - Spirituality: Find the Strength Within

Links for additional information on spirituality:

Call our Information Center at: (800) 994-9662 to place your order for the free PYPTH Community Action Kit and Posters, while supplies last!

You can also join the PYPTH listserve for regular updates and community action steps. Visit our home page for details: http://www.4woman.gov/PYPTH/

 

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS FOR YOUR HEALTH

For publications on over 800 health topics, check out our health topic search at: http://www.4woman.gov/search/search.cfm or call 1-800-994-WOMAN!

 

WHO IS USING NWHIC'S SERVICES?

In November, NWHIC received 5,347,194 hits to the site and 285,622 web-visitors!

Our toll-free Information and referral line received the most calls from New York yet again this month. Help your state become our "number one" state by encouraging your friends, colleagues and family members to call our toll-free services if they need information on women's health topics! The most popular NWHIC web pages in November were:

Our most frequently asked topics were requests for information on: Our Daybook (Women Living Well, Living Long), Nutrition, Breastfeeding, Breast Cancer and Menopause.

 

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