Cervical cancer is the third most common cause of cancer affecting women in the world. Nearly all cases are caused by specific kinds of human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV infections are quite common, they usually go away without treatment. However, persistent infections can cause abnormalities in the cells, which can lead to cervical cancer if not treated.
Why should you get screened for cervical cancer? Screening dramatically reduces the risk of getting the disease. In the US, active screening has lowered its onset – it is now the 14th leading cause of cancer among women. Precancerous lesions can be detected by pap smears, and cervical cancer can be treated before it reaches an advanced stage. Regular screenings are the most effective tool we have to combat cervical cancer.
What tests are available?
Two tests are used for cervical cancer screening: a pap test (or pap smear) and an HPV test. A pap smear can detect early cell changes so that they can treated before they become cancer. During the procedure, cells from the cervix are gently removed and examined for abnormalities. The test can cause mild discomfort, but no long-lasting pain. Regular screenings can lower cervical cancer rates by 80 percent, as they are very accurate.
The other option is to get an HPV test, typically at the same time as pap smear. Like that test, a sample of cells are collected from the cervix and examined. The test shows if a high-risk type of HPV is found. If found, then more frequent screenings are required to monitor early changes in the cells.
When should I be tested?
All women above the age of 21 should start screening for cervical cancer. Women between the ages of 21 to 29 should get a pap smear every 3 years, and an HPV test only if the pap smear detects abnormal cells. Women between the age of 30 to 65 should get tested every 5 years, and undergo both a pap smear and an HPV test. As for women above the age of 65, they do not need to be screened if their previous sessions all had normal results. Women who have taken an HPV vaccine should still follow the screening recommendations above. Proactive testing is the best method available for preventing cervical cancer.
Social media has become the main avenue of communication for people across the world. Young teens turn to their apps for the latest gossip, fashion trends and activities of celebrities and influencers. It has become a unique form of self-expression, with regular selfies highlighting changes in our appearance. Looking beautiful is hardly a new trend, but social media makes us question our looks more than ever. This raises a key question affecting millennials: is social media making them turn to plastic surgery at a young age? What sparked the trend of getting lip fillers at sixteen?
Impact on plastic surgery:
Plastic surgery has been common for decades, but there has been an increase in millennials acquiring botox and lip fillers. It isn’t surprising that young teens would think about enhancing their appearance when they are constantly reminded of it. Those selfies make us remember the wrinkles under our eyes and the flaws in our physique. With the rise of Snapchat, we are not only encouraged to take more selfies but are also exposed to filters that clarify our skin tone, contour our features and reduce our nose size. According to AAFPRS, 54% of facial surgeons saw an increase in patients under 30 years old undergoing cosmetic procedures.
Due to statistics such as these, there is compelling evidence to believe that social media is encouraging millennials to undergo plastic surgery. Young teens see celebrities such as Kylie Jenner with lip fillers at the age of sixteen, which normalizes cosmetic procedures. It is important to remind social media users that the images they see do not match reality. Filters, lighting, and even Photoshop are used to enhance pictures tagged as ‘natural beauty’. If they believe that beauty only comes from mimicking the plump lips and defined cheek bones on social media, they are pressured to undergo plastic surgery. It is also the responsibility of medical practitioners to publish facts not myths about cosmetic procedures. Educating the younger generation is the first step to halting this risky trend.
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular methods for eliminating hair from the body. It is more permanent than other hair removal options, and only a few sessions a year can lead to near hairless skin. It is relatively painless compared to other hair removal methods such as waxing. Regardless, laser hair removal still carries some risks. When deciding on where to get the sessions done, you should consider the device used for the procedure. The following considerations should be taken into account:
5 Things To Be Aware Of:
– The device should have a cooling system, as this is gentler on the skin and can lead to pain free hair removal. It is also safer as it prevents the laser from harming the skin.
– The laser should have a large spot size (18-24 mm), as this quickens the procedure and thus shortens the session for larger body areas.
– The safety of the device for all skin types should be approved by the FDA and other reputable organizations.
– The device should be highly effective in removing hair with a low rate of regrowth.
– The device should be handled at a licensed health center by well-trained staff.
At Dr. Basem Ashoor center, we have taken all these factors into account when selecting GentleLase Pro. Years of experience with this device have led us to believe that it is the safest and most effective choice on the market. We are glad to report high customer satisfaction with this product. In order to make an informed decision, the patient should seek professional advice before undergoing the treatment. There are misleading marketing tactics in the laser hair removal field, so the patient should ask questions beforehand. The safety of the laser machine should always be a top concern when evaluating the device.
You can read more about the laser services we offer here.
We are proud to celebrate the tenth anniversary since the opening of Dr. Basem Ashoor Plastic Surgery & Laser Center and all the accomplishments we have made. Many milestones have passed and we have positioned ourselves as a brand well-trusted by patients and with a high standard of professionalism.
We have elevated the standard of informing our patients, particularly in an industry with misinformation and misleading commercial tactics. Our treatments are evidence-based, and all procedures are supported with recognized research. We have also maintained a high standard for communication with our patients which has resulted in high customer satisfaction.
The safety and accessibility of our clinic has always been a top priority, and we are proud to have maintained integrity in this regard. We have also reached a milestone in the quality and training of our staff. None of this would be possible without them, and we would like to thank them for their dedication and hard work in helping run the center. We look forward to serving patients looking for plastic surgery and aesthetic procedures for years to come.
All the best,
Dr. Basem Ashoor
Arabic