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Recognizing the signs and symptoms of cancer is important because early diagnosis and intervention can be lifesaving. It’s also essential to stay current with cancer screening such as mammograms, Pap smears, and colon cancer screening. While the symptoms mentioned in this article can be caused by benign (noncancerous) conditions, it’s always best to see a healthcare provider if you are experiencing them. This article reviews symptoms of cancer in women, including pelvic pain, bloating, low-back pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge, fever, night sweats, changes in bathroom habits, fatigue, and weight, vulva, and breast changes....

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday issued an official recommendation for vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 against COVID-19. The move represents a landmark moment in the pandemic, allowing families to seek out vaccine protection for their children as they return to in-person schooling and activities. Key Takeaways CDC recommended the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to all children aged 5 to 11, following an authorization by the FDA last week....

Chorioamnionitis occurs when bacteria infect the organs and membranes surrounding the fetus and amniotic fluid during pregnancy. It’s estimated that chorioamnionitis affects about 1% to 5% of term deliveries and about one-third of preterm deliveries. The infection or inflammation affects the placenta (the organ that supplies oxygen and nutrients) and the chorion and amnion (membranes surrounding the baby that act as protective barriers). Chorioamnionitis is often caused by bacteria found in the vagina....

Being diagnosed with anxiety or depression during a primary care visit may not only depend on your mental health status. A new analysis finds that there are large disparities in receiving a mental health diagnosis across races and ethnicities in the U.S. Key Takeaways A new report found mental health diagnosis disparities in the U.S.Asian patients, in particular, were much less likely to receive a diagnosis for depression or anxiety compared to White patients....

On top of all the other health concerns related to diabetes, there is also an increased risk of sexual dysfunction in people of any sex or gender living with this all-too-common disease. Although the cause of sexual dysfunction is not entirely clear, research suggests that it may be due to a combination of factors, including complications of the disease itself paired with health or lifestyle factors that contribute to both diabetes and sexual problems like erectile dysfunction or loss of libido....

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a complication of diabetic retinopathy. It occurs when fluid builds up in the macula, the center portion of the retina. The retina is the layer of cells at the back of your eye that helps convert light into the images you see. Diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness in the United States. DME is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes....

If you have non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), you may have been told that your cancer is positive for EGFR (EGFR+). The EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) is a gene that can change, or mutate, in some people with NSCLC and cause a cancer to grow more rapidly. But not all EGFR mutations are the same, and one specific type is called an EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation. People with this EGFR mutation don’t respond as well to therapies used to treat other kinds of EGFR changes in NSCLCs....

Gastric sleeve surgery is a procedure that promotes rapid weight loss by removing a significant portion of the stomach. This operation helps patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), sleep apnea, and other health conditions associated with excessive weight. As with all such surgeries, if you’re considering this procedure, it’s important to understand what goes into preparation for this treatment, from pre-op lifestyle changes to considerations for the day of the operation....

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It generally affects one joint at a time—often the big toe. People who live with gout experience periods known as flares, times when symptoms worsen, as well as times of remission, during which there are no symptoms. Gout flares are sometimes called gout attacks. Gout can affect any joint, including the wrist, but having wrist gout is rare, especially on its own. Having gout in more than one joint is called polyarticular gout....

If you have Graves’ disease, you’re at higher risk of developing depression. Graves’ disease is a common form of hyperthyroidism, where your thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland controls several hormones that are involved in metabolism, the process of turning food into energy. Depression, also called major depressive disorder, causes ongoing feelings of sadness and loss of interest in usual activities. Graves’ disease and depression are believed to be linked because hormones affect the brain and body....

Hip-strengthening exercises can be incredibly beneficial if you are dealing with hip pain or weakness due to an injury, surgery, or chronic condition like hip arthritis. They are also useful for conditioning the hip muscles if you are a runner, weight lifter, older adult, or you wan to improve your balance, stability, or mobility. This article explains the benefits of hip conditioning for different medical conditions or groups. It also provides step-by-step instructions for four different hip-strengthening exercises you can do at home without weights or special equipment....

For many people, swollen lymph nodes, or lymphadenopathy may be an early sign of HIV infection. Swollen lymph nodes can be a feature of opportunistic infection or an AIDS-defining condition. Although there are many signs and symptoms that can prompt someone to get an HIV test, lymphadenopathy is often one of the first signs of viral infection. Enlarged lymph nodes can be present for three or more months and sometimes appear with no other signs of infection....

Dyshidrotic eczema (DE) is a chronic skin condition that causes small blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and the edges of fingers and toes. The blistering rash from DE is itchy and can cause a burning sensation. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. DE flare-ups can be due to a number of triggers. Common ones include seasonal allergies, hot and humid weather, sweaty palms, some metals (particularly nickel), stress, and working at a job in which your hands are frequently wet (such as hairdressing)....

Hemorrhoids may feel embarrassing to address, which is why many people try to diagnose themselves and avoid seeing a healthcare provider. However, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Hemorrhoids can have symptoms similar to other, more serious conditions, and those should be ruled out before assuming symptoms are from hemorrhoid. In most cases, hemorrhoids can be easily diagnosed with a history and a physical exam....

Strep throat is treated with prescription antibiotics, such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and erythromycin, among others. Sometimes, over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or home remedies can reduce pain and ease other uncomfortable symptoms. If you have symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider to find out whether you have strep throat—an accurate diagnosis will help you get the right treatment for the infection and help prevent complications of a persistent infection. Prescriptions Prescription antibiotics are the treatment of choice for strep throat for several reasons:...

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often overlap with symptoms of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This can make it hard to know which condition you might have. There are some important differences, however. When you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), your symptoms can run the gamut from diarrhea to constipation. You will probably also have bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. The symptoms of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity can be similar, but may also include non-digestive symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain....

According to several scientific studies, flavoring additives like diacetyl and other chemicals used in microwave popcorn bags were deemed unsafe because of the potential risk of health effects, such as irreversible lung damage. As a result, between 2002 and 2015, diacetyl and other substances were eventually phased out from microwave popcorn and its packaging. Still, consumers should be aware that some chemicals continue to be in use. Chemicals in Microwave Popcorn If you’re avoiding unhealthy snacks by reaching for low-fat and low sodium treats like microwave popcorn, you may want to take into consideration the chemicals used to coat its packaging....

Walking is one of the best and easiest forms of exercise for people with congestive heart failure (CHF). Years ago, healthcare providers advised patients to avoid working out, but that’s no longer the case. A 2018 study showed that regular, moderate-intensity walking can also prevent heart failure in people with heart disease. Walking has numerous benefits for patients with heart failure, but as with all new exercise programs, you should check with your healthcare provider for guidelines on any precautions you should take....

Most people assume that as we grow older, bullies begin to disappear from our lives. But research has shown that some bullies never put aside their cruel ways. Instead, some bullies continue to intimidate, manipulate and abuse people well into adulthood. After all, bullying works for them, so there is no motivation to change. What’s more, adult bullies can be found in almost every area of life. Even the medical field is not immune to having bullies among its ranks....

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is calling on blood cancer patients to enroll in the LLS National Patient Registry. It can be challenging for patients to coordinate the sharing of their medical records between the multiple treatment teams involved in their care. Key Takeaways Blood cancer patients, and others with severe and chronic illnesses, often encounter difficulties transferring their medical records between providers.The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has developed a voluntary patient registry to gather more data from blood cancer patients....