The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, which connects to the vagina. Cancer occurring in this part of the body is called cervical cancer. Cancer can affect deeper tissues in the cervix and later spread to parts like the vagina, lungs, liver, rectum, and bladder. A woman can get diagnosed with cervical cancer due to many reasons. Some of the most common causes of cervical cancer are as follows. 1. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) One of the most common causes of cervical cancer is the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is also the reason for genital warts. There are above 100 kinds of HPV, among which at least 13 can result in cervical cancer. The two most prevalent types of cancer-causing HPV are HPV-18 and HPV-16. This virus has two proteins, which are known as E6 and E7. The proteins negatively affect tumor suppressor genes like p53 and Rb. This can allow the cells lining the walls of your cervix to enlarge more than required. It can also cause changes in additional genes, which can lead to cancer in some cases. HPV combined with other risk factors like an HIV infection or smoking increases the possibility of a person contracting cervical cancer.

Dry eyes are a prevalent condition that develops when the tears cannot offer adequate lubrication to the eyes. The tears may be unstable or insufficient because of an array of reasons. However, regardless of the reason, dry eyes can be extremely uncomfortable, as it may lead to a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes. The big question is, what causes dry eyes? Here is a list of  five causes of dry eyes. 1. Medication Tears in the eyes are composed of mucus, water, and oil. However, certain medications can hamper mucus production and result in chronic dry eyes. Some such medications include beta-blockers used for hypertension treatment, diuretics, antidepressants, and antihistamines. If, after consuming a medication, you feel dryness in your eyes, speak to your doctor. In this case, the doctor will either suggest an alternative medicine or lower your current medication dose. Alternatively, you can use artificial tears alongside the medication to provide adequate lubrication to the eyes. 2. Keratitis or infrequent blinking When you sit in front of the computer screen for long hours, you may not blink your eyes as often as you should. This might result in dry eyes. Thus, it is recommended to take frequent breaks from the screen and consciously try to blink your eyes.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a type of infection that develops when microorganisms enter the urinary system. This type of infection can develop in the urethra, ureters, kidneys, and bladder. Most of the UTIs occur in the urethra and the bladder located in the lower urinary tract. UTI can be painful and unpleasant when it develops in the bladder. However, when the infection spreads and forms in the kidney, it can be dangerous for the body.  Possible causes of UTI UTI can happen to both men and women, but women are more prone to it. According to various researches, more than 50% of women go through this unpleasant problem at least once in their lifetime. One of the most common causes of UTI is the development of Escherichia coli, a type of bacterium in the digestive system. Here are some of the factors that can lead to UTI.  1. Sexual intercourse   Intense and frequent sexual intercourse with one or multiple partners is one of the leading causes of UTI. Here, the chances of bacteria entering the urethra from the vagina are significantly more.  2. Menopause The changes are women having UTI increases after menopause as the pH levels in the vagina change due to the drop of estrogen production.

Anemia is a health condition caused due to a lack of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. Besides performing other functions, these cells are responsible for circulating oxygen to various organs. Anemia has many types, each caused by different reasons. This health condition can also be short or long-term. To ensure one receives the appropriate treatment, let us look at some of its symptoms. 1. Shortness of breath RBCs contain a protein called hemoglobin that transports oxygen to various body parts through the bloodstream. However, with anemia, there is a lack of hemoglobin due to the deficiency of healthy RBCs. Consequently, the patient experiences shortness of breath while climbing the stairs or doing low-intensity movements. This shortness of breath might go away after some rest when the body adjusts to the decline in RBCs. 2. Pale skin If one’s body is deficient in iron, the skin starts looking pale, washed out, or yellow. Patients can check this out by taking a closer look at the inside of their bottom eyelids, lips, or gums. The nail color can also change to a pale pink or yellow. Besides changing color, the skin might also feel dry and get bruised easily.

Melanoma is one of the most severe types of skin cancer. It develops in the melanocytes – the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its natural hue. Melanoma can develop in the face and eyes, or even inside the body in the throat or nose. Here, we shall discuss the prevalent types and signs of melanoma. Types of melanoma There are four kinds of melanoma, as follows: 1. Superficial spreading melanoma This is the most common kind and is seen in the limbs or the trunk. In this case, the cells grow gradually in the beginning before spreading across the skin. 2. Nodular melanoma This kind of melanoma appears on the head, neck, or trunk. It grows faster than the others and is one of the most aggressive variants. It usually has a blue-black or reddish appearance. 3. Lentigo maligna melanoma This type is more prevalent in older adults and appears mainly on the skin surface most exposed to the sun, primarily the face. It usually develops as Hutchinson’s freckle, which seems like a stain on the skin. It progresses gradually and is less severe than the other kinds of melanoma. 4. Acral lentiginous melanoma This is the rarest form of melanoma and develops on the feet’s soles and the palms of the hands.

Cold sores are clusters of painful, tiny blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The sores are also known as herpes simplex labialis or fever blisters. The condition’s symptoms will be most severe the first time you get a cold sore. After that, your body may develop antibodies, and you may never develop another infection. But, what causes cold sores in the first place? Let us find out. 1. The herpes simplex virus When asked about what causes cold sores, the most straightforward answer to this question is the herpes simplex virus. Typically, there are two kinds of HSV viruses: HSV-1 and HSV-2. The former is responsible for causing cold sores, whereas the latter leads to genital herpes. However, in both these forms, the actual sores are more or less the same. In many cases, it has been seen that HSV-1 leads to sores on the genital area, and HSV-2 causes sores on the mouth. When your cold sores are visible, they are definitely communicable. But they can even spread when they are not visible. Generally speaking, if you come in contact with someone who has the HSV, you, too, are at an equal risk of contracting the infection.

PAH, or pulmonary arterial hypertension, is a kind of blood pressure that directly impacts the heart’s right side and the arteries in the lungs. It is a severe condition that hampers your quality of life. However, if a timely diagnosis is made, you can get the desired care as needed and ease your symptoms. The symptoms usually develop gradually, and many people do not see any symptoms for a long time. But what are the common signs and symptoms of PAH? Let us find out.  1. Shortness of breath Speaking of the earliest PAH symptoms, while PAH is in its early stage, you may experience breathlessness or shortness of breath. The blood vessels and the arteries, which transport the blood through and into the lungs, make breathing possible. The whole exhale and inhale routine is what can help you quickly breathe out the oxygen-depleted air and breathe in the oxygen-rich air. It is a choreographed routine and happens normally in the body. However, in someone with PAH, this routine may be restricted and feel labored. Consequently, the tasks that once felt easy, such as cleaning the house and climbing the stairs, will be difficult to perform, leaving you gasping for air quickly.  2.

Cancer is a genetic disorder. It implies that cancer is caused by certain genetic changes, which control the way the cells function, especially their growing and dividing. Genes contain instruction in them that helps in protein formation, and that is what does maximum work in the cells. However, some specific gene mutations can make the cells evade their typical growth controls and become malignant. Here, we will understand the relationship between cancer and genetics.  Cancer-causing genes The genes responsible for cancer development can be classified into three key categories.  1. Tumor suppressor genes Also known as the guarding genes, these prevent cell growth by controlling when a cell dies, repairing any mismatched DNA, and keeping a tab on the cell division. However, when the tumor suppressor genes divide, they might lead to tumors.   2. Oncogenes Oncogenes are responsible for damaging a healthy cell and making it a cancer-infected cell. Such changes are not inherited.  3. DNA repair genes   Anytime a DNA is replicated, the repair genes run into action and cater to the damage control. Usually, they work as tumor suppressor genes. However, when there is an issue with these genes, the mistakes are not corrected. Over time, these mistakes become mutations, which can result in cancer.   Cancer and gene mutations   In a person infected with cancer, the cells do not grow or divide the way they should.

Pancreatic cancer is a medical condition that originates in the pancreatic tissues. The pancreas essentially releases enzymes that help in digestion and produces hormones that manage your blood sugar levels. The condition is rarely diagnosed during its early stages, which makes it difficult to treat. Thus, this article discusses the early warning symptoms of pancreatic cancer to look out for. Early warning signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer   to note 1. Stomach or back pain Chronic back or abdominal pain, without any obvious reason, is usually observed in a person suffering from pancreatic cancer. This pain is caused as a result of the large pancreatic mass pressing on the nerves. Stomach pain is also a result of this health issue, especially after a meal, as the pancreatic tumors might put pressure on the surrounding organs. 2. Jaundice Jaundice is one of the main early warning symptoms of pancreatic cancer. It is a health condition in which your skin and eyes start becoming yellow. It is a result of the buildup of bilirubin, a component present in bile. This occurs when the common bile ducts get blocked, as bile cannot reach the intestines. Cancer that starts at the head of the pancreas is near the common bile duct.

Do you sweat more than others? Does spending a few minutes on the treadmill leave you dripping wet? Do you feel the need to wipe your palms before every handshake? If your answer is yes to all these questions, you know how uncomfortable the situation is. At times, heavy sweating may be an indication of an underlying medical condition. Let us find out the causes of heavy sweating. 1. Primary focal hyperhidrosis It is a chronic skin condition that people usually inherit from their families. It mainly stems from a change or a mutation in the genes. It is also known as primary hyperhidrosis. In most people with excessive sweating, the cause is focal hyperhidrosis. This condition starts when someone turns twenty-five. Focal hyperhidrosis will affect the hands, armpits, head, and feet. 2. Generalized hyperhidrosis Another one of the key reasons for heavy sweating is generalized hyperhidrosis. It may happen because of an underlying medical condition, such as Parkinson’s disease or diabetes, which might make a person sweat a lot more than usual. In addition, certain medications, such as zinc supplements and naproxen (Aleve), might also result in sweating as a side effect. This condition is mainly prevalent in adults.