You Can Do It, 2024

You Can Do It, 2024

Cervical cancer

Artist statement:

I wanted to reflect ovarian cancer and how to combat in a hopeful, triumphant, and encouraging way. As scary and debilitating as ovarian cancer can be, it is treatable and you are not alone, and as scary as pap-smears and other preventative measures can be, they are worth it.

Medical description:

Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in which progression from low-grade fever to lesions and cancer is seen in the presence of carcinogenic factors. Within the HPV DNA, oncoproteins E6 and E7 interfere with the critical host cell cycle. Some of the signs and symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, bloody or foul-smelling discharge, pelvic pain, and pain during urination. Patient response can vary from person to person, but some common themes include shame, embarrassment, fear, and depression. These emotions can arise from being unable to have children, physical appearance changes due to chemotherapy, and losing some forms of independence. Healthcare professionals need to educate young women to receive the HPV vaccine to prevent obtaining the virus (Rosenthal et al., 2011). It is also important that women receive regular pap smears to screen for cervical cancer (Ashtarian et al., 2017). 

Bossolono, Joseph

2024

Swanson, Meagan; Le, Lotus; Truong, David; Thomas, Jazmine; Abdul, Sheila

In Copyright- This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights.

Digital illustration ; print : 8.5 x 11 in.