if it is not diagnosed until symptoms such as abnormal bleeding/heavy periods occur? Anyone know what the odds are of surviving if it is left undiagnosed until the symptoms show?

Was it just an abnormal pap, or true cancer? There are many treatments for cell changes on the cervix, such as freezing (cryosurgery) and scraping. This kills/ removes the cells and causes the body to generate new (healthy) cells. the treatment depends upon how severe it is. please provide more info – do you have a diagnosis from a doctor, if so what is the exact wording of the diagnosis?

it is fatal but the drs see that its not too far gone they can do chemo and other treatmetns to help out. im so sorry about it its very hard to have cancer or to deal with it. i wish u and whoever else so much love and luck

It really depends on how aggresive the cancer is and how advanced. Just because it has not been diagnosed until symptoms present themselves it does not mean it will definitely be fatal.

Obviously smear testing is very important in the prevention and detection of cervical cancer, but with treatment patients can and do survive.

If this is something you or someone you are close to is going through I'm so sorry and I wish you well, and for any other girls or women reading, nobody should underestimate the importance of regular smears. they save countless lives every year, so please don't ever put off going, it may be uncomfortable but it only takes seconds and could save your life.

Also if anyone has symptoms of cancer don't delay getting it checked out. the most important factor in the treatment of cancer is catching it early.

Good luck and god bless xx

I don't know the odds but it depends on how aggressive the doctors decide to treat the cancer.

But there is one very important health-related resolution that you need to include on your list: “This year I will be diligent in getting recommended health checkups and cancer screenings. and if anything seems amiss, I’ll have it checked by a physician.”

Now if you’re a young woman in her late teens through age 40, you may think that this is not a necessary resolution, especially the cancer screenings part, because cancer is “an old person’s disease.” But that is not true.

At a recent meeting of Women of Hope, there were women in their 20s and 30s, all of whom are cancer survivors. Their cancers ranged from breast, colon, lung, thyroid, skin and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Cancer can strike women at any age, and with the odds 1-in-3 of a woman getting cancer in her lifetime, you need to be proactive in screening yourself. Getting mammograms and pap smears are important, but many of these tests are not routinely done until age 40 and older.

Don’t rely on tests alone to protect you from cancer. It is just as important to listen to your body and notice anything that’s different, odd, or unexplainable. you need to be aware of what to look for and when to seek help.

Here are a few screening tips. Remember that these symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have cancer, but if they are persistent or bothersome, then you need to be checked by a physician.

Look for one or more of the following: Unexplained weight loss, bloating, breast changes, between-period bleeding or other unusual bleeding, skin changes, difficulty swallowing, blood in the wrong place, gnawing abdominal pain and depression, indigestion, mouth changes, pain, changes in the lymph nodes, fever, fatigue or persistent cough.

Work hard to keep those resolutions of having a healthy weight, eating good foods and getting into that desired dress size.

And don’t forget to get your recommended health checkups and cancer screenings. if symptoms you experience are persistent or bothersome, have them checked by a physician.

Here’s wishing you a happy and healthy 2011.

Joy Wade is executive director of Women of Hope, a local nonprofit organization that supports women with all types of cancer. its office is in Oleander Office Park, 4018-C Oleander Dr. Suite 3. Contact Women of Hope at 799-7178 or Joy Wade, executive director, at 617-0990,or visit womenofhopefightcancer.com.

The StarNews Neighbors section welcomes articles written by nonprofits and others. Articles need to be around 400 words and accompanied by a high-quality photograph. for more information, contact Neighbors Editor Si Cantwell at 343-2364 or si.cantwell@starnewsonline.com.

My friend is a 27 yr old single parent who was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. she was given a year about 5-6 months ago but is showing no sign of illness. she has maintained her weight, if not gained. her skin and eyes are still bright and energetic. she seems happy and healthy by all accounts. what type of symptoms should we expect to see as her illness progresses and when should we expect to start seeing them?

Weight loss, anorexia, fatigue will be the first 3 common symptoms and then jaundice in skin and eyes, pain, nausea, enlarged lymph nodes( cancer is spreading), excessive sweating (night sweating), difficulty in breathing are terminal symptoms in general.

She is very young…sorry. I believe your friend is a courageous lady by maintaining a positive attitude against the odds. Statistically, stage 4 ovarian cancer has a poor survival rate, but who knows she might prove the statistics wrong and might survive much longer.

I'm just curious to what symptoms of warts in your mouth are. I have not involved myself in any oral sex what so ever, but i'm not sure if i came in contact with someone who could possibly had them in their mouth. I tend to overreact but this is a special matter that i would like to not worry about any longer. So if anyone has any info, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

you can get oral hpv, but it is SOOO unlikely! the odds are pretty much against you getting it even if you have oral sex with someone who you know has it.

the std's passed through oral sex you need to worry about are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes.

The sexually transmitted virus HPV does not cause warts in the mouth, only genital warts. Not sure where you got your information from. there are some forms that just cause warts in general, like those on your hands and feet, but they do not spread that way.