Cancer occurs when cells in an area of the body grow abnormally. Cervical cancer is a cancer that begins in the cervix, the part of the uterus or womb that opens into the vagina. It is the part of the uterus that dilates and opens fully to allow a baby to pass into the birth canal. The normal cervix has two main types of cells: squamous (or flat) cells, which protect the outside of the cervix, and glandular cells which are mostly inside the cervix, and produce the fluid and mucus commonly seen during ovulation. Cervical cancer is caused by abnormal changes in either of these cell types in the cervix, and is the only gynecologic cancer that can be prevented by regular screening and preventive vaccination.

Cervical precancers usually have no symptoms. That is why it is important to have a Pap test. A woman usually does not have any symptoms until the cells turn into cancer and invade the deepest parts of the cervix or other pelvic organs. 

These symptoms include:

 • Vaginal discharge

 • Abnormal vaginal bleeding

 • Vaginal odor

 • Pain 

These symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other health problems. It is important for a woman to see her doctor if she is having any of these symptoms.

When a woman experiences concerning symptoms, a pelvic exam, including a rectovaginal exam, and a general physical should be performed. If the exam is abnormal, the woman might be advised to undergo an HPV test, a colposcopy (observing the cervix through a magnifying scope), and a biopsy, depending on the results of the colposcopy. If cervical cancer is suspected or diagnosed, it is important to seek care first from a gynecologic oncologist (Cervical Cancer: Your Guide | 5) 

When cervical cancer is diagnosed, it is vital to determine if the cancer has spread. Your treatment team may do more tests to determine this. Additionally, specific procedures during surgery may be performed to determine the extent of disease. This process is called staging. Staging helps to determine the exact extent of your cancer and what treatment plan is best for you (8 | Foundation for Women’s Cancer).  

References: Cervical Cancer – Foundation for Women's Cancer 

Reclaim your power with an empowerment coach such as Sarita Buer. She is helping women find worthiness by creating emotional wellbeing services that can help guide women to look at their lifestyle and helping coach them through phases of deconstruction and construction to find equilibrium. 

Her vision is to guide women to reclaim their power, so everyone can live an authentic life. Her intention is to help break down the dialogue with you by  declaring what you need for your emotional wellbeing and as part of self care.  

Tune into Season 3 Episode 2 as we talk about the emotional wellbeing and self care

 Wow! We can definitely say 2020's energy had a big impact in our lives. So I think it's good timing to cut cords on what no longer serves us. And make room for new lifestyle changes that can help take care of you mind, body, and spirit.

With that said, I am bringing back a meditation practice I created for myself after my miscarriages known as the WOMB LOVE Meditation. I remember the first time I sat down with myself in 2018 how much I needed space for  my healing process. And as I continue to craft my magic, I've also realize how many other women needed space and decided to expand my practice to share and guide. So as continuation of my WOMB LOVE practice, I am excited to bring back this meditation on a monthly basis on the first Saturday of the month to continue to connect, spread love, and hold space. Follow on Instagram for updates on next mediation gathering. 

Dear Girlfriend, 

I wanted to share a libido smoothie recipe by Lila Darville that I came across while reading a wellness book.

As most of you already know we are going through different transitions in our health and libido is one of them! Hmm huhhh...you heard that right... whether your in your 20s 30s 40s... you will experience libido health changes due to several factors going on in your life and physical health.

So instead of reaching for your quick fixes, supply your body with nutrients foods that can help nourish this wellness department in your life. Cuz golly....the stories I hear behind closed doors.. and millions of reasons of why should nourish our bodies.

No shame is my game for sharing a good healthy recipe made by a women because I know you will be reading it and even trying it out! 

Lila Darville  libido smoothie

So Cheers to a healthy libido!

Tune into Season 3 Episode 1 as Lilia sits down with the CEO and Co-Founder of Pandia Health Dr. Sophia Yen. In this episdoe they talk about fertility, sexual health, and access to Pandia Health services. 

Feel free to also check out her TEDxBerkey talk on the bottom of this page 

 https://bc.pandiahealth.com/periods-optional/

Where to find Pandia Health on Social Platforms:

 Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

You Tube

About Better You Know.

Better you know is a campaign developed by the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The campaign  focused on women who may experience symptoms of a bleeding disorder but have not been diagnosed. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness and knowledge of bleeding disorders and provide resources for women who seek care. The campaign has a risk assessment tool, postcards, brochures, booklets, and videos for women to learn whether they are at risk for a bleeding disorder and the next steps to take to seek care. Help spread awareness of bleeding disorders so women don't go undiagnosed. 

If you are someone who maybe experience some changes, I encourage you to find out more information information at www.betteryouknow.org. The website will have tools such as risk assessment., symptoms trackers and webinars to learn more about bleeding disorders. 

Finding out if you have a bleeding disorder and getting the medical help you need can really improve your daily quality of life and reduce stress. Besides being an inconvenience, heavy bleeding can be a health risk. Untreated bleeding disorders can cause dangerous bleeding during dental work, injury, childbirth, miscarriage, or any surgery whether minor or major.

The Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) is dedicated to supporting research, education, and public awareness of gynecologic cancers. Whether you or someone you care about has been impacted by gynecologic cancers, you're in a position to share your experience and empower others with the knowledge you've gained. 

As women, we often feel pain and discomfort in the pelvic region and this can be due to several factors such as Menstruation, PMS, PCOS, and/or  Endometriosis etc. Having known that, we should always  become familiar the potential signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancer, so we can be consciously aware of the health disparities that exist among women of color. 

According to Disparities in Gynecological Malignancies article, health care disparities exist higher in women of color due to complex and biologic factors such as race, socioeconomic, and geographic barriers that influence treatment and survival. This is why it's crucially important for women to understand why we need more representation in research studies because we can't based one clinical study to be applicable for all women. These barriers must be addressed to provide optimal care to women in the U.S. with gynecologic cancer. 

So Mujeres, our efforts for Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM) can have a huge impact on individual lives and the community at large. So take the initiative to educate yourselves about different types of gynecology cancer because the more we are aware of potential health disparities in the pelvic region, the more we feel empowered to make conscious decision for survival  treatment, plan of care,  and lifestyle. 

And if you do know someone who has been diagnose and needs support, please make sure to refer them to the gynecologic-cancers basic resources webpage where they can navigate survivorship, caregiving, palliative care, education resources, and financial resources. 

References: 

• https://www.foundationforwomenscancer.org/ 
• Read Full Article Here: Disparities in Gynecological Malignancies: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4761838/