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Women’s Health
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Human beings react and evolve as a result of our environment, encounters with others, traumas, joyous moments, and so on. As I prepare to embark on this journey to Mysore, India for a month to explore its culture alongside its beliefs and traditions. I am beyond ecstatic and fortunate enough to be a part of such a life changing experience. With my interest in medicine and the health care system I am intrigued to see what health care is like in India, specifically women’s health. While studying abroad, I will be researching women’s health with cervical cancer.
Although I am enthusiastic for my journey to India, there are certain expectations or concerns I have while visiting this country. The lack of respect they have for women, the traditional principles that women have no authority. Several friends and family members are apprehensive of my safety while studying in India being a woman. Do not wear flashy jewelry or clothing that will draw excessive attention towards me. Another assumption that I partake is the circumstance that I am American, and all American’s are known to have money. Will I have to hold my purse and belongs tight at all times while in the streets of India? Though these are worries, I have no difficulty in being minimalist to ensure my safety while in India.
During my time in India, I will be interacting with multiple women who have been exposed to health issues and domestic violence. I plan on expanding my knowledge on the factors that contribute to cervical cancer, the precautions women have to take and aid that is offered to those women who are affected by cervical cancer. By visiting different clinics and centers in Mysore that cater to women of all ages who are in need of health care, closely examining each women’s case. I hope to gain insight and awareness on the issue, which will allow me to convey an understanding to those who are not informed of what is occurring in India. In addition, I will take the time to become familiar with the culture’s view of women and what they represent as individuals. Understanding India’s normalcy to establish a safe environment in which patients feel comfortable enough to engage in interviews, so they can disclose their reality with me.
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Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. The widespread presence of cervical cancer is 3,955,000 cases with 425,000 new cases diagnosed each year, according to research findings in 1997 (Napuil, Peersman, Shepherd, Weston, 2000). Additionally, the most common risk factor for cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV). With a substantial number of sexual partners, a woman has without the use of contraceptive, the higher level of risk these women have of becoming in contact with HPV and later developing cervical cancer. Moreover, women who engage in their first sexual intercourse at a much younger age can damage the cervix which is still developing and be at risk of cervical cancer. With this being said women who do engage in sexual intercourse at age 15 versus those women who are in their 20s are twice as likely in developing HPV and cervical cancer (Napuil, Peersman, Shepherd, Weston, 2000). These are just a few risks and statistics that countless women are unaware of in society today.
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Nearly 85% of cervical cancer incidents occur in less developed countries (Liu, 2017). India alone accounts for one quarter of cervical cancers worldwide. Studies cite that it is the leading cancer mortality rate, 17% of deaths in women between the ages of 30 and 69 (Balasubramaniam, Bobdey, Jain, Sathwara, 2016). Cervical cancer is anticipated to occur in roughly 1 in 53 Indian women in their lifespan compared to 1 in 100 women in other advanced provinces of the world (Balasubramaniam, Bobdey, Jain, Sathwara, 2016). I consider that because of the lack of health infrastructure there is a decline in survival rate in evident areas of India related to urban areas of India allocating with cervical cancer. The Global Health research will allow me the chance to explore diversity and learn first-hand about new analysis and treatments of health concerns.
In the United States we are so privileged to have the proper resources and government to implement laws where health care insurance is an obligation. In addition, there are numerous causes such as mobile health capitals which are available at citizens dispense including Obama care. Throughout my time in India I am interested to discover the properties that are accessible for medicine and health care. How do politics in India influence the individuals on wellbeing? What methods women must go through to obtain the alertness of cervical cancer? The type of contraception that is existing in India, and is it frowned upon for women to access contraception? Correspondingly, the price of contraception if it is accessible.
Furthermore, this research in cervical cancer will assist me in achieving educational goals. I am determined to continue my studies in psychology and medicine, reaching my ultimate goal of going to graduate school and becoming a Physician Assistant. This India global health program will give me the experience I need to excel in my future studies and internships. This specific topic on women’s health with cervical cancer captivated me to gain an improved comprehension, especially being a woman. Including dealing with physical and psychological health issues in India while researching India’s view of women and gain an individual’s perception or judgment of a situation first hand. I am hoping with this experience it will enlighten me to break the barrier between their silence and the help that can be provided. I am longing to bridge an individual’s environment and seek help to others. Subsequently, I can spread mindfulness not only to those women in India, but those back in the United States. To empower individuals that there are issues that are not broadcasted on the news or radio, advise people that we can help those in demand. By tapping into the knowledge, I gain during my time in India, I will be able to apply the vast variety of skills I obtain.
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References:
Liu, Y., Fan, Y., Wang, X., Huang, Z., Shi, K., & Zhou, B. (2017, September 7). Musashi‑2 is a prognostic marker for the survival of patients with cervical cancer. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.fiu.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&sid=a4df8736-df9b-4d2c-956d-e83edd5b3b3f%40sessionmgr102 15, 5425-5432. doi: 10.3892/ol.2018.8077
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Balasubramaniam, G., Bobdey, S., Jain, A., Sathwara, J. (2016, December 14). Burden of cervical cancer and role of screening in India. Retrieved from http://www.ijmpo.org/article.asp?issn=0971-5851;year=2016;volume=37;issue=4;spage=278;epage=285;aulast=Bobdey;type=3 37(4). 278-285. doi: 10.4103/0971-5851.195751
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Napuil, I., Peersman, G., Shepherd, J., Weston, R. (2000, December 1). Cervical cancer and sexual lifestyle: a systematic review of health education interventions targeted at women. 15(6). 681-694. doi.org/10.1093/her/15.6.681