Menopause & Cancer Flashcards
What is average menopause age?
45-50
What causes changes in temperature regulation during menopause?
Decrease in estrogen levels lead to vasodilation
Decrease in estrogen levels can lead to ____.
Bone loss (osteoporosis)
What are the most common complaints during menopause?
Hot flashes/flushes, vaginal dryness, depression, mood swings, irritability
What is osteoporosis?
Decreased bone density due to decrease in estrogen. Makes bones susceptible to fractures. Body breaks down bones for calcium.
What are some risk factors for osteoporosis?
Small-boned, thin-build. Low body weight. Family history, lack of wt. bearing exercise. Never pregnant. Early menopause. Drinking, smoking. Euro-American, Asian.
How do we diagnose osteoporosis?
Bone mineral density test (DEXA / DXA scan). All woman over 65, men over 70
When should a woman begin therapy for osteoporosis?
T-score of -2.5 or lower should begin therapy.
What are some treatments for osteoporosis?
Calcium & vitamin D supplements. Hormone therapy. Bisphosphonates (antiresorptive drugs). Biologics (Q6 injection). Anabolic agents (build bone)
What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
Therapy for menopause. Not required, should be short-term usually. Oral pills, patches, creams, gels, etc.
When is both estrogen and progesterone given as HRT?
When the woman still has her uterus
When is ONLY estrogen given as HRT?
If woman has no uterus (for non-cancer reasons I.e. fibroids)
What are symptoms of vulvo-vaginal atrophy?
Itching, burning, sexual discomfort
What are some treatments for vulvo-vaginal atrophy?
Water soluble lubricants or estrogen.
What are some risk factors for breast cancer?
Female, older than 55, white, early period start, never pregnant or pregnant > 30, genetics, long-term HRT use, overweight
What genetic mutation increases risk for breast cancer?
BRCA1 or BRCA2
Who is at risk for the BRCA mutation?
Family hx of breast cancer <50. Other cancers in family. Ashkenazi Jewish. African American with breast cancer <35.
What are some S&S of breast cancer?
- A palpable lump
- Skin discoloration, thickening, Peau d’orange
- Itching, redness, scaling of nipple
- Large axillary lymph node
- Focal pain
When is hormonal therapy good for breast cancer?
When the specific breast cancer is sensitive to hormones.
Why has the cervical cancer death rate dropped?
Increased people getting pap tests!
What can low-risk HPV cause?
A few genital, anal, mouth warts. Generally harmless.
What can high-risk HPVs cause?
Cancer
How is HPV transmitted?
Intercourse, anal, oral sex.
What increases risk for ovarian cancer?
Family history, genetic mutations, post-menopausal, increased age
What decreases risk for ovarian cancer?
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, oral contraceptives
Treatment for ovarian cancer?
Surgery then chemotherapy. 5 year survival rate dependent on stage at diagnosis and response to chemo.
What is the primary symptom of endometrial cancer?
Abnormal vaginal bleeding near or after menopause.
What is the highest cure rate with endometrial cancer?
Surgery (hysterectomy and salpingo oophorectomy)… chemo and radiation can be used in poor surgical candidates
