Proper healthcare with women is essential. Usually, women suffer from both acut e and chronic diseases, thus interfering with their wellbeing. This paper compares the uterine fibroid and breast cancer as some of the most prevalent disorders among women.
Uterine Fibroids (Acute)
Uterine fibroids refer to the non-threatening monoclonal growths of the muscle cells located in the human uterus. Although the cause of the fibroids is not known, estrogens and progestogen are said to promote its occurrence. In the United States, the prevalence of developing fibroids among women is one in every four or five women. Factors that increase the risk of the illness include race, family history, age, diet, hypertension, and even the premenopausal state of the person. The symptoms include heavy periods, increased frequency of urinating, pain, reproductive issues, and anemia. The lack of awareness among many women has led them to suffer from the disease without their knowledge.
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Health Promotion and Screening
Women can promote their well-being and avoid the development of uterine fibroids through eating a healthy diet with the high level of vegetables and fruits, avoiding alcohol, avoiding obesity and overweight, as well as maintaining a balanced level of estrogen (Sohn et al., 2018). A fibroid is screened through the examination of the various parts of the pelvis including the uterus, vulva, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, and rectum to establish the growth of abnormal substances.
Diagnostic Tests
Ultrasound can be used to map and measure fibroids. Lab tests including the complete blood count (CBC) can be conducted to confirm whether the patient has anemia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps to identify the fibroid and determine the appropriate treatment option while Hysterosonography gives the physicians the images of the fibroids. Finally, Hysteroscopy helps in the examination of the uterus and fallopian tube for identification of fibroids if any.
Treatments
Usually, medication of the fibroids targets at reducing the menstrual hormones rather than eliminating them. One of the treatment methods includes Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists that involve blocking off the progesterone and estrogen hormones to shrink the fibroids and improve anemia condition. Progestin-releasing Intrauterine Device (IUD is used to relieve the heavy breading caused by fibroids or the administration of oral medication to control menstrual bleeding. Lastly, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also reduce the pain but not the bleeding.
Patient Education
Most women suffer from fibroid unknowingly. Healthcare education programs should be organized by the medical practitioners to teach women on the issue as well as help to screen the disease. Early identification enhances the treatment process.
Treatment
Conventional treatments for fibroids include hormone therapy to prevent the continued growth of fibroid, prescription of GnRH agonists to shrink fibroids and reduce anemia, and SERNs that shrink the fibroids without causing menopause symptoms.
Traditional and Non-traditional Treatments
Traditional treatment of fibroids entails nonsurgical operations like Watchful Waiting, Medical Therapy (Hormonal and Non-Hormonal), MR Guided Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), Uterine Artery Embolization, and Alternative Therapy (Sohn et al., 2018). On the other hand, the non-traditional is Fibroid Removal and Hysterectomy where one is removed a part or the entire uterus. In comparison, the latter is more effective than the former as it eliminates the fibroids. However, it might also lead to the loss of the uterus. In the case of the former, it deals with the shrinking of the fibroids and regulating the control of hormones.
Breast Cancer (Chronic)
Breast cancer refers to cancer that forms in the breast cells. In the United States, one in every eight women develop intrusive breast cancer (12%) (Breastcancer.org). It is the highest occurring cancer among women and the second most prevalent tumor in general.
Health Promotion and Screening
The occurrence of breast cancer can be prevented through some specific modification of the risks factors and at the same time avoid contracting the non-communicable diseases through the promotion of healthy diet, control of alcohol intake, as well as engaging in physical activities. Chemoprevention and preventive surgery reduce risk of contracting cancer ( Nounou et al., 2015) Early detection is through the diagnosis or awareness of the early signs and symptoms and the precise application of the screening tests.
Diagnostic Tests
Tests for breast cancer include the examination to check for lumps on the breast. Mammogram test involves screening the breast using X-ray, while breast ultrasound engages in producing the images of the bump on the breast. For a biopsy, a sample of the breast cells is tested and examined.
Common Treatment
Treatments available for breast cancer management include surgery where a part of the entire breast is removed, radiation therapy that involve the use of radiation to kill the cancerous cells, chemotherapy to destroy the rapidly growing cells. As well as hormone therapy.
Patient Awareness
The knowledge of many women on breast cancer has increased with the cancer awareness programs organized annually to raise awareness. More people are encouraged to screening as well as the early diagnosis and treatments for those suffering from the disease.
Health Screening and Promotion
Celebrating the month of breast cancer (October) by offering women an opportunity to screen each year increases the knowledge among women as they take part in the program. The campaign allows people to recognize the disease in them and seek the right assistance.
Traditional and Non-traditional Treatment
Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation, and surgery are the conventional treatment methods for breast cancer that involves the use of medications and surgery. Alternative treatments methods include Acupuncture, stress management, meditation, massage, and aromatherapy ( Nounou et al., 2015) . While the former entails treating the disease and minimizing the adverse effects of the disease, the latter is concerned with ensuring peace and calmness of the patient. Traditional treatment strategies are most utilized to help a patient move through the various cancer treatment phases and eventually concur it if it was realized early enough.
Enhancing Collaboration in a Healthcare Team
The primary reason for healthcare professionals to ensure collaboration is to ensure that they attain the goal of the organization as a team. Some of the ways that leaders can enhance cooperation include creating a safe space to share information amongst the staff. For people to work as a team, they need to listen to one another as well as reinforce the value and inspect that each one makes with their effort. Another way is through effective conflict management. Poor conflict management is considered one of the key obstacle for effective collaboration. Professional handling of conflict is necessary to ensure everyone is ultimately assisted, especially the patients. Finally is effective communication that enhances understanding.
References
Breastcancer.org. U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics. Accessed from https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics
Donnez, J., & Dolmans, M. M. (2016). Uterine fibroid management: from the present to the future. Human Reproduction Update , 22 (6), 665-686.
Nounou, M. I., ElAmrawy, F., Ahmed, N., Abdelraouf, K., Goda, S., & Syed-Sha-Qhattal, H. (2015). Breast cancer: Conventional diagnosis and treatment modalities and recent patents and technologies. Breast Cancer: Basic and Clinical Research , 9 , BCBCR-S29420.
Sohn, G. S., Cho, S., Kim, Y. M., Cho, C. H., Kim, M. R., & Lee, S. R. (2018). Current medical treatment of uterine fibroids. Obstetrics & Gynecology Science , 61 (2), 192-201.
