Directorate Of Health,SUG-NAU

*WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?*

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the va**na.

Cervical cancer can often be successfully treated when it is found early through a Pap test

*CAUSES OF CERVICAL CANCER*?

Cervical cancer is mostly caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be gotten by having s*xual contact with someone who has it. Although, it is not all types of HPV causes Cervical cancer.

Some of them cause ge***al warts, but other types may not cause any symptoms.

Many adults have been infected with HPV at one time or the other, but the infection usually goes away on its own. Sometimes it can cause ge***al warts or lead to cervical cancer. This why it's important for women to have regular Pap tests.

A Pap test can find changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer. If you treat these cell changes, you may prevent cervical cancer.

*SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL CANCER*?

1. Abnormal va**nal bleeding such as bleeding between menstrual periods, after s*x, or after menopause.

2. Pain in the lower belly or pelvis.

3. Pain during s*xual in*******se.

4. Abnormal va**nal discharge

5. Bleeding after going through menopause

6. Longer or heavier menstrual periods than usual

*DIAGNOSIS OF CERVICAL CANCER*

1. Cervical cancer can be diagnosed using a Pap smear or other procedures that sample the cervix tissue.

2. X-rays, CT scan, MRI, and a PET scan is usually used to determine the stage of cervical cancer.

You can get vaccine too.

*CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION*

1. The Pap test is the best way to find cervical cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer. Regular Pap tests almost always show these cell changes before they turn into cancer. This may help prevent cervical cancer.

2. The virus that causes cervical cancer is spread through s*xual contact. The best way to avoid getting a s*xually transmitted infection is to not have s*x. If you do have s*x, practice safer s*x, such as using condoms and limiting the number of s*x partners you have.

3. If you are age 26 or younger, you can get the HPV vaccine, which protects against types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer.

*IT'S WORLD CANCER DAY!*

This year’s theme marks the second year of the campaign “CLOSE THE CARE GAP” which is about understanding the inequities in cancer care and taking actions to make the necessary progress to address them.

Cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably or spread to other parts of the body.

The major types of cancer are:
1. Carcinoma
2. Sarcoma
4. Leukemia
5. Lymphoma

CARCINOMA – This cancer begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.

SARCOMA – This cancer begins in the connective or supportive tissues such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle or blood vessels.

LYMPHOMAS are cancers of Lymphocytes.

LEUKAEMIA – This is cancer of the white blood cells.

However, Carcinomas are the most commonly diagnosed cancers and can originate in the:

1. Skin (Cancer of the skin)
2. Lungs (Cancer of the Lungs)
3. Breast (Cancer of the breast)
4. Pancreas (Cancer of the pancreas), and other organs and glands including lungs, stomach, cervix (cervical cancer).

WHAT CAUSES CANCER?
Cancer arises from the transformation of normal cells into tumour cells in a multi-stage process that generally progresses from a pre-cancerous lesion to a malignant tumour. These changes are the result of the interaction between a person's genetic factors and three categories of external agents, including:

1. Physical carcinogens, such as ultraviolet and ionizing radiation;

2. chemical carcinogens, such as asbestos, components of to***co smoke, aflatoxin (a food contaminant), and arsenic (a drinking water contaminant); and

3. Biological carcinogens, such as infections from certain viruses, bacteria, or parasites.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RISK FACTORS FOR CANCER?

To***co use, alcohol use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and air pollution are risk factors for cancer (and other noncommunicable diseases). Some chronic infections are risk factors for cancer. This is a particular issue in low- and middle-income countries. Approximately 13% of cancers diagnosed globally were attributed to carcinogenic infections, including Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and Hepatitis B and C viruses and some types of HPV increase the risk for liver and cervical cancer, respectively. Infection with HIV substantially increases the risk of cancers such as cervical cancer.

*Here are some ways to reduce your cancer risk:*

🚭 Refrain from to***co use
🏊 Exercise regularly
🌽 Eat more fruits and vegetables
✅ Maintain a healthy weight
🍷 Limit alcohol consumption

TREATMENT: Using chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and/or Surgery.

Let's beat cancer!

Next... Details on cervical cancer

The official inauguration ceremony and Oath taking of the 29th Directorate of Health SUG, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka by the Dean students Affair Prof. Chinonso Achebe, SUG president, comrade Charles Ijeomah @ Students Affair Board room on 3rd February, 2023.

Pictures from (L-R)
Obetta Kingsley (Treasurer), Edwin Jessica (Secretary), Ajasigwe Innocent (Director), Comrade Charles Ijeomah (SUG president, NAU), Dr. kelenna Iregbu (Advisor), Moses Chukwudimma (PRO)

Do follow our social media handles for more information on health updates, and upcoming programs.

All correspondence to the secretary, directorate of Health, SUG NAU

ALERT!
DIPHTHERIA OUTBREAK IN NIGERIA: A PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN.

It was on Friday, January 20th, that Nigeria's health authorities confirmed a deadly outbreak of diphtheria in about 4 states of the federation, including Lagos, Kano, Yobe, and Osun states, with Kano state being the worst hit. Having recorded more than 70 suspected cases along with 25 deaths related to the bacterial infection, the center of commerce has initiated an emergency response to the outbreak and is monitoring the situation in various affected local governments.

*The disease, Diphtheria is a contagious infection caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacterium releases a toxin that causes a buildup of grey tissue at the back throat, making it difficult for a patient to swallow and even breathe eventually leading to death. Body parts affected may include the tonsils, nose, throat, and/or the skin usually manifesting as a thick, gray membrane covering the throat and tonsils. Other symptoms of diphtheria Infection include:*

⚠️A sore throat and hoarseness.

⚠️Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck.

⚠️Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.

⚠️Nasal discharge.

⚠️Fever and chills.

⚠️Tiredness.

*FACTS ABOUT DIPHTHERIA.*

1.It is a bacterial infection and may mimic symptoms of the common cold at first.

2.Signs and symptoms are usually visible after 2-10 hours of exposure to Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

3.It is prevalent in communities with poor sanitation and overcrowded gatherings like marketplaces.

4.It is highly transmissible; through droplets from coughing and sneezing and contact with contaminated surfaces and objects.

5.Prevention is achieved majorly by observing proper sanitation, social distancing, use of personal protective equipment like face/ nose masks, and vaccination with the pentavalent vaccine (diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine) e.t.c

Remember, we are all in this fight together and all have a part to play in eradicating diphtheria!

Endeavor to report any suspected case of Infection to the relevant authority, so we'll beat this monster together.

To your continued health and Well-being🥂

*©️DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH, SUG-NAU.*

World su***de prevention day.
Theme: Creating hope through action

One in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of su***de. It can affect every one of us. Each and every su***de is devastating.
What we do know is that there are certain factors and life events that may make someone more vulnerable to su***de and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression can also be a contributing factor. People who are suicidal may feel trapped or like a burden to their friends, family and those around them and thus feel like they are alone and have no other options.

Creating Hope Through Action’ is a reminder that there is an alternative to su***de and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us; that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling. Preventing su***de is often possible and you are a key player in its prevention.You can help give someone hope by showing that you care. All of us can play a role, no matter how small. We may never know what we do that makes a difference. We all can reach in and ask somebody. You do not need to tell them what to do or have solutions, but simply making the time and space to listen to someone about their experiences of distress or suicidal thoughts can help. Stigma is a major barrier to help-seeking. Changing the narrative around su***de through the promotion of hope can create a more compassionate society

Courtesy
Directorate of Health, SUG-NAU
We care💞

🖊️
Igwe Helen-nancy C
P.R.O, directorate of health SUG-NAU.

Directorate of health,SUG-NAU.........WE CARE💕