38 THE QUEENS COURIER • HEALTH • MAY 4, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM health How you can be part of the next cancer breakthrough Americans can all play a role in the fi ght against cancer. Every day, progress is made against cancer through innovative research, the dedication of scientists and the bravery of the more than 14 million Americans living with the disease. To celebrate these individuals, Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) and Genentech recently announced their latest collaboration, Five things you should know about sexually transmitted infections BY DR. BARRY BROWN Th e recent observance of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Awareness Month—yes, it’s a thing!—provides an excellent opportunity to address concerns and questions people may have about prevention, treatment, and available resources. Here are fi ve things you should know about sexually transmitted infections (STIs): • STIs are extremely common, and except for the common cold and the fl u, they are the most common infectious diseases in the United States. Millions of individuals both men and women--are aff ected by STIs annually, and they are a major reason that people seek medical attention. • STIs are caused by diff erent types of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Infections caused by bacteria include gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia, among others. Some STIs caused by viruses include HPV (human papilloma virus), HIV (human immunodefi ciency virus), hepatitis B and C, and herpes simplex. It is also known that the Zika virus can be sexually transmitted. Trichomonas is a common STI caused by a protozoan. • Any person who has intimate sexual contact with another individual who has an STI may acquire that infection. While all types of sexual contact are capable of transferring these infections, some types of sexual contact are associated with higher risks of infection. Many STIs can be transmitted from a woman to her baby prior to birth or at the time of delivery. Newborns with these infections may have serious illness, including malformations (as can occur with Zika infections). People with an STI oft en do not have symptoms of any infection and may be unaware that they have an infection. Common symptoms of STIs include a discharge from the vagina or penis, painful urination, abnormal redness or swelling, abdominal pain, and fever. While, depending on the type of infection, other symptoms are also possible, it is most important to remember that a person can have an STI and not have any symptoms. • Sexually transmitted infections should be treated, and the eff ectiveness of treatment depends on the type of infection. Some infections can cause serious, even life-threatening problems, and it is always best to seek medical attention if there is any concern about having a sexually transmitted infection. Th e bacterial infections are generally treated with antibiotics, and although generally curable, they sometimes cause damage to internal organs and infertility. Viral infections, though usually treatable, oft en cannot be cured. Some have serious consequences, including liver injury, chronic infection, and even cancer. Pregnant women are generally tested for STIs because of the risks that are associated with infection to the newborn, as well as the mother. It is recommended that people have regular check-ups and discuss the risks of having an STI with their health care provider, even if they are not symptomatic. • Th ere is no perfect way to prevent sexually transmitted infections except by abstinence. People in a monogamous relationship in which neither person has an STI should be protected. Nevertheless, it is extremely diffi cult to be certain that any person does not have an STI. Some STIs are hard to detect by testing, and the reliability of any test should be discussed with your health care provider. Always keep in mind that sexual partners should also seek medical care when there is concern about an infection in one partner. Proper use of condoms does help protect against acquiring an infection, but condoms are not completely reliable. Th ere are vaccines to certain STIs caused by viruses, including hepatitis B and HPV. Th e appropriateness and eff ectiveness of these vaccines should also be discussed with your health care provider. While intended to be helpful, this information is no substitute for visiting your health care provider. It is most important to see a health care professional about your sexual activity and discuss your individual need for testing and advice on these health issues. Dr. Brown is director of OB/GYN Services at NYC Health + Hospitals/ Elmhurst. For more information about programs and services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, please call 718- 334-4000. “Be Th e BreakthroughTM.” Since everyone has a role in the fi ght against cancer, the program aims to raise awareness about the important role regular screenings and clinical trial participation play in fi ghting cancer. Clinical trials are the main way new medicines for cancer are evaluated and approved for use. However, there are many misconceptions about clinical trials that impact participation, which can delay new medicines becoming available. Common myths and facts about clinical trials 1. Clinical trials are for people with no other options. Clinical trials are crucial to further our understanding of cancer and may be an option at any point aft er diagnosis. While 20 percent of those diagnosed with cancer are eligible for clinical trials, only 3 percent of these individuals join clinical studies. Additionally, about one-fi ft h of all clinical trials fail to enroll the minimum number of people needed to complete the study. Th is results in wasted resources and missed opportunities for patients to participate in clinical trials that may help advance progress in the fi ght against cancer. 2. Participants of clinical trials are being “experimented” on. Clinical trials are developed with high medical and ethical standards, and participants are treated with care. Studies also off er the opportunity for people with cancer to receive investigational medicines or procedures that experts think might improve the standard treatment of certain cancers. 3. By participating in a clinical trial, my private information can become public. In nearly all clinical trials, patients are identifi ed by codes so that their privacy is protected throughout. While general results of the trial may become public, a person’s identity would not be disclosed without permission. 4. Clinical trial costs aren’t covered by health insurance. Insurance companies and the study sponsor cover many costs, and fi nancial support may be available to help with other expenses. People diagnosed with cancer should talk to their doctors to understand what costs they may be responsible for, and discuss what fi nancial resources are available for them. 5. Finding a clinical trial is diffi cult. It doesn’t have to be. ClinicalTrials. gov is a website provided by the National Institutes of Health that people can review with their doctors to help fi nd a study that might be right for them. Genentech, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, launched About Clinical Trials (ACT) to help people learn about and access resources about clinical trials. Th e website, www. LearnAboutClinicalTrials.org, offers guidance for people with cancer on discussing this option with their doctors and loved ones, perspectives from experts in the medical community, as well as stories from people who have participated in previous studies. ACT also has a free and confi dential Clinical Trials Matching Service. ACT specialists are available at 1-877-970-7848 with more information to help patients, their families and health care workers fi nd cancer clinical trials most appropriate for a patient’s medical and personal situation. Courtesy BPT
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