CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Cervical cancer is considered one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer. All women are at risk for cervical cancer. However, data from WHO show it occurs most often in women over the age of 30. It can, however, happen to anyone. Cervical cancer is often linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) an extremely common family of viruses that is transmitted through sexual contact. HPV can over time, cause changes to the cells in the cervix that, if left untreated, can become cervical cancer.
When detected early and managed effectively, cervical cancer is preventable, treatable, curable, and associated with long-term quality of life. Women should be screened for cervical cancer every 5–10 years starting at age 30. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking medical advice to address any concerns is a crucial step. Women should see a healthcare professional if they notice:
- unusual bleeding between periods, after menopause, or after sexual intercourse
- increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- symptoms like persistent pain in the back, legs, or pelvis
- weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite
- vaginal discomfort
- swelling in the legs.
Interventions For Cervical Cancer
The interventions can vary with different procedures ranging from the specific targeted area.
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Chemotherapy
When is there a need for an OT? These limitations can manifest in physical, cognitive, and psychological limitations that can impact a person’s physical, social, and emotional well-being and quality of life. Functional limitations may occur before, during, or after an individual’s treatment.
There is also a need when an impairment is slowly developing without a structure and consistent assessment of functions, cognitions, and falling. Occupational therapy is designed with the specific mission of helping people functionally engage in life as safely and independently as possible with the primary goal of improving and treating functional deficits. Some of the ways the occupational therapist helps include:
- Cognitive Function Impairment: Cancer-related cognitive impairment presents difficulties related to memory, attention, information-processing speed, and organization. It can affect all age groups causing a decline in their ability to function, making previously easy activities more difficult, and causing a distressing loss of independence in daily activities. For this, the occupational therapist will work toward adapting or remediating the functional impairment through different cognitive strategies. The occupational therapist will generally incorporate adaptive strategies so that the patient learns how to compensate for impaired memory or attention while performing tasks and using restorative activities to improve cognition functions during the performance of specific tasks.
- Upper-Extremity Impairments: Surgery can cause short- and long-term physical impairments that are potentially modifiable with occupational therapy. Restricted upper-extremity range of motion, arm swelling (lymphedema), pain, and numbness are all common impairments of the upper extremity in patients after surgery. Disabilities related to the arm range of motion are most often associated with ADL and IADL impairments such as putting on a shirt, dress, making a bed, feeding, carrying groceries, and lifting heavy weights. The Occupational therapist helps with limitations in the upper extremities through a combination of exercises, stretching, and modalities to improve range of motion and muscle strength.
- Functional Impairments: Occupational therapists also help to address cancer-specific issues, such as fatigue, cognition, pain, and peripheral neuropathy. This affects changes in functional status and daily routines. Occupational therapy interventions would assist with skills ranging from dressing, bathing, using the toilet, cooking, and so many more.
These and many more are the services provided at enability for anyone having any of the symptoms mentioned above. Reach out to us at info@enabilityot.com for further inquiries.