DOH programs Breast ultrasound Sound waves are used for breast ultrasound.

Pictures of the tissues of all the areas, including the area closes to the chest wall of the breast can be taken. This procedure does not use X-rays or other harmful types of radiation. Breast lumps seen in the results can be identified as fluid filled (a cyst) or a solid lump. Ultimately, this procedure does not replace the need for a mammogram but is used to check abnormal results from a mammogram. The equipment used for this test is called a transducer. It is gently passed back and forth over the breast. A computer turns the sound waves into a picture in a TV screen. The picture produced is called a sonogram or ultrasound scan. Breast ultrasound is done to add important information to results of other tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or mammogram. Since mammography is the only screening tool for breast cancer that is known to reduce deaths due to breast cancer through early detection, breast ultrasound serves as a supplemental breast cancer screening. Some breast lesions and abnormalities are not visible or are difficult to interpret. Breast ultrasound can find the cause of breast symptoms, such as pain, swelling and redness. It can also check for breast lump found on breast self-examination or physical examination. It can be used as a guide for the placement of needle or other tube to drain a collection of fluid, pus, sample of breast tissue or guide for breast surgery. Spread of cancer can be seen by ultrasound as well. http://women.webmd.com/guide/breast-ultrasound http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=breastus Acetic acid wash First, the cervix is studied with a colposcope. Then the cervix is washed with 3-5% diluted acetic acid. The chemical acetic acid washed away all the mucus of the cervix to allow all the abnormal areas to be seen due to the white stain called acetowhite lesions. Also some normal areas may have a faint hue of white stain, significant abnormalities are distinct and have clear boundaries. Abnormalities like pre-cancers, genital warts and cancers. Other staining techniques are used such as Lugols/Schillers solution comprised of diluted iodine. Normal cells will generally take up the iodine and turn brown in a uniform manner but abnormal cell, precancerous and cancerous will not. Therefore, acetic acid wash increases the detection of cervical disease. http://www.medicinenet.com/colposcopy/page2.htm Pap smear Abnormal changes of the cervix can be detected in an annual pap smear. Abnormalities seen can suggest of cancer. The process involved in this test is the scraping of outer and inner area of the cervix with a small instrument called palate, brush or broom. This will not hurt but can be felt since there are not a lot of pain sensations in the cervix. The care provider will ensure that the uterus and both ovaries feel normal in size and do not have pain sensation in this area once the speculum is removed. They gently inserting two gloved and lubricated fingers into the vagina and using the other hand to feel these organs by can press on the lower abdomen.

By age 21, it is recommended that young women have a complete physical exam that includes a pelvic exam with a pap smear, unless sexually active. Approximately three years after the first sexual encounter, this exam is recommended for sexually active women regardless of age. Women, younger than 21 who are not sexually active, but are having gynecological problems should seek care if symptoms are severe or do not improve. It is recommended that all women should have yearly pap test until the age of 30. If a woman, after age 30, has a negative history or abnormal pap smears for three years and no evidence of a virus called HPV, cervical screening can be extended to every three years unless they are at high risk of cervical cancer. http://www.utmedicalcenter.org/center-for-women-childrens-health/medicalservices/gynecology/the-well-woman-exam/ Bakuna sa HPV Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that is responsible for cervical cell abnormalities, in some cases, cervical cancer and genital warts. Mainly through sexual contact, HPV is a group of more than 100 types of viruses, and around 40 of which can infect the genital areas of men and women. It is associated with other types of genital cancer and is an important cause of cervical cancer. High-risk types of HPVs can cause cervical cancer and other low-risk types can cause genital warts. Some time their lives, 75% of all sexually active people will eventually be infected with HPV. The infection clears on its own for most people who become infected with HPV and do not have any symptoms. Persistent infection of the high-risk HPV can develop cervical cancer. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of getting HPV. By limiting the number of sexual partners, or choosing a sexual partner who has had no or few sexual partners, the chances of getting HPV can be lowered. Condoms can reduce the risk of acquiring HPV around the genitals but areas not covered by it can still be infected. HPV vaccine is used to protect against infection of certain HPV types. There are 2 brands of vaccine available. HPV-16 and HPV-18 are high-risk HPV types account for about 70% of cervical cancer and both vaccines prevent infection by these 2 high-risk HPV types. The other vaccine gives protection against 2 low-risk HPV types: HPV-6 and HPV-11. Women who have never been exposed to HPV-16 and HPV-18 infections are most suitable for HPV vaccination to be effective. Before the commencement of sexual activity, it is important to complete the vaccination for the HPV vaccine to work best. Although it prevents infection, it does not treat or cure HPV infection. There is limited data on the safety of vaccine in pregnancy, therefore it is not recommended for pregnant women to receive this vaccine. The vaccine offers at least five years of protection. Redness or swelling around the injection site, and mild soreness are the common side effects. The vaccines are given as a series of 3 injections over a 6-month period. HPV-vaccinated women should still undergo regular cervical cancer screening. HPV types not included in the vaccine can still develop cervical cancer. Therefore, HPV vaccine cannot replace cervical cancer screening. http://www.fhs.gov.hk/english/health_info/faq/women_health/WH2_5_2.html