dr. Kartika Noviastuti, M.P.H., a doctor at UNS Hospital, hosted the session. The dialogue featured dr. Elita Rahmi, Sp.OG., an obstetrics and gynecology specialist, as the guest speaker. The discussion focused on cervical cancer, its causes, symptoms, and prevention. dr. Elita emphasized that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Indonesian women. It ranks second after breast cancer. Cervical cancer occurs when malignant cells develop in the cervix, also known as the cervix uteri.

Causes and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

“A persistent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the cervix primarily causes cervical cancer,” dr. Elita explained. Unlike uterine cancer, doctors often detect it in its late stages. However, they can identify cervical cancer earlier due to the presence of precancerous lesions. These are abnormal cervical cells that have not yet turned cancerous but may develop into cancer if left untreated.

Feelings of embarrassment and discomfort about undergoing medical examinations, especially those involving intimate areas, often prevent women from getting checked. In reality, cervical cancer screening requires cooperation between patients and healthcare professionals. If any symptoms arise, it is essential to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible for early detection.

She further elaborated that common symptoms of cervical cancer include:
✔️ Abnormal vaginal discharge
✔️ Bleeding outside of the menstrual cycle
✔️ Bleeding after sexual intercourse

However, dr. Elita warned that cervical cancer does not always show clear symptoms. Therefore, regular screening is crucial for early detection.

The Importance of Screening and Early Detection

Many women still hesitate to undergo cervical cancer screening due to fear or embarrassment. “Often, women ignore early symptoms, and as a result, the cancer is detected at a more advanced stage,” dr. Elita added.

Several factors contribute to the disease. However, early detection plays a key role in prevention.

How to Prevent Cervical Cancer

dr. Elita recommended Pap Smear and Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) tests as effective screening methods. These tests are available at public health centers (Puskesmas) at affordable rates or through Indonesia’s BPJS Kesehatan healthcare program. Cervical cancer is more common among women who are married or sexually active. HPV vaccination is highly recommended before becoming sexually active.

“The earlier cervical cancer is detected, the higher the chances of survival. While complete recovery is not always guaranteed, early detection significantly increases the likelihood of living cancer-free,” dr. Elita concluded.

Humas UNS

The post UNS Hospital Holds Health Dialogue to Raise Awareness on Cervical Cancer appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

The news about 41 years-old designer’s death was announced by his family through the @virgilabloh private Instagram account on Sunday (28/11/2021) local time. The family announced that the Off-White label founder was died due to the rare and aggressive cancer, angiosarcoma, or cardiac sarcoma that Abloh suffered from since 2019 and made him go through a series of medical treatments.

“We are saddened to announce the death of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a very devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He left his beloved wife, Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Gray Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and many dear friends and colleagues,” Virgil Abloh’s family wrote in Instagram.

The news was unexpected for many people, including sneakerhead, who praised his works. Besides, he died at a relatively young age due to his illness. The news also captured the attention of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta Hospital Cardiologist, Habibie Arifianto, dr.,SpJP (K)., M.Kes., because Virgil Abloh’s condition is caused by a rare and malignant cancer that could affect anybody.

dr. Habibie explained that sarcoma is a malignant tumor in connective tissue or muscle, including angiosarcoma, a malignant tumor in blood vessels. Cardiac angiosarcoma/cardiac sarcoma, he added, is a malignant tumor in the heart caused by a primary tumor. “The tumor,” he explained, “comes from cardiac muscles, but is very rare, or from blood vessels around the heart that invade the tissue,” dr. Habibie explained to uns.ac.id on Monday (29/11/2021).

He added that there are several symptoms of cardiac sarcoma, including cardiac arrest that occurs when muscle tissue is replaced by tumor tissue, which then causes heart rhythm disturbances. These disturbances come from blood vessels and reduce blood flow that could lead to thromboembolism or blood clots in the heart that can break off and block into other blood vessels.

“Cancer often attacks people older than 40 years old. But because of unhealthy lifestyle at a young age, malignant illness could appear in young people,” dr. Habibie explained.

Considering its probability to attack basically everybody, it is crucial to understand the cause of cardiac sarcoma. As explained by dr. Habibie, cardiac sarcoma is similar to other malignant cancers; it could be caused by genetic factors triggered by free radicals, pollutions, cigarette smokes, or other dangerous vapors such as fumes from fertilizers, insecticides, and other radiation agents, to unhealthy food.

“The malignant characteristic of this cancer is due to its invasive and destructive activities toward healthy tissue, and smaller parts of it could be detached and spread to other body parts through the blood vessels or metastasis,” dr. Habibie explained.

On its probable treatment, dr. Habibie explained that patients could undergo surgical resection or surgical removal of the tumor when possible. But there is no definitive treatment, although patients could opt for chemotherapy or radiotherapy, even though the success rate is not quite satisfactory. Cardiac sarcoma could be diagnosed through echocardiography or ultrasound of the heart, which is a visible mass in the chambers of the heart. dr. Habibie also stated that CT scan for heart and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) also could be used in the diagnosis.

“The goal is to see the blood vessels that supply blood to the tumor and the spread of the sarcoma to surrounding organs,” he added.

dr. Habibie suggested that people go through screening if they experience any discomfort regarding their heart function to see if they have sarcoma or not. He also suggested that people diagnosed with sarcoma undergo all necessary treatments until they recover and to not waste too much time looking for consideration.

“Because this illness is very progressive, with early detection and medication, The prognosis of the disease will be better than if we are late in diagnosis and treat it,” he concluded. Humas UNS

Reporter: Y.C.A Sanjaya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post UNS Hospital Cardiologist: What is Cardiac Sarcoma that Killed Off-White Founder appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.