Last October 5, and on the occasion of International Breast Cancer Day, Hospiten Rambla Obstetrics and Gynecology department held a conference on Integral Women’s Health to build awareness of the importance of prevention in gynecologic health.
The conference, which took place at the Iberostar Gran Hotel Mencey in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and was attended by more than 70 people, was open to the general public and included a varied program of talks by specialists in women’s health from Hospiten Rambla.
Dr. Ana Marti started the conference with a talk on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the increase in the number of cases, above all among young people. She pointed out that most STDs are treatable, but if they are not detected and treated in time, they may cause problems in the future – they can result in acute infection of the reproductive tract, infertility or affect pregnancy, for example. The condom is still the most effective way to prevent most STDs.
Dr. Vigmar Iriarte was the second speaker and he spoke about contraceptives and the myths surrounding them. He clarified many doubts and pointed out that there is no single contraceptive that is ideal for every woman, but here is one for each woman and her particular case.
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer after breast cancer. 80-90% of cervical cancers are a direct result of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Dr. Rosendo Galvan spoke about HPV and the link between the virus and cervical cancer. He stressed that vaccination, both for boys and girls, is the key to preventing the disease, in particular as the latest vaccine covers 9 serotypes and can prevent up to 83-90% of cervical cancers.
In her talk, Dr. Mariela Navarro dealt with infections like vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection), trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis, among others. They are diseases that alter vaginal flora. Dr. Navarro spoke of the importance of probiotics, as they reinforce, balance and re-establish the vaginal flora to prevent infections.
The menopause is a phase in life that every woman lives differently. Dr. Maria Dolores Perez-Jaraiz spoke about the symptoms of the menopause, such as hot flushes, osteoporosis, low libido, and so on. Among the different treatments like moisturizing creams and lubricants or hormone treatments, Dr. Perez-Jaraiz gave a special mention to the newer treatments like laser and advances in regenerative therapies. The doctor stressed that women must look after themselves at all levels: diet, exercise… and that there are various options for each woman to get the best results possible.
Dr. Lucia Almeida, of the Hospiten Rambla Breast Unit, closed the conference with her talk on breast cancer. Dr. Almeida pointed out that the most common breast cancer is sporadic – that where there is no family history, in 2 or more generations, and that early detection is still the key to treating the cancer. Mammograms (screening or diagnostic) and physical examination (self-checking) are the most effective ways to catch the disease early on. The doctor stated that the cure rate for breast cancer in 60% (90% if detected early on).