Cervical Cancer Prevention and Screening

With over 15 years of experience, Shawanda Renee Obey, M.D. graduated from the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. Shawanda Renee Obey, M.D. fights against disparities in women’s healthcare based on race. She is well versed in breast and cervical cancer screening and prevention, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, and obstetrical hemorrhage.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lower part of the uterus called the cervix. Most cervical cancers start with cell changes in the transformation zone, which is located between the endocervix and the exocervix.

Screening for cervical cancer is an important step to find precancers and treat them. There are three procedures often used for that, the HPV test, the Pap test, and the Visual inspection with acetic acid. However, there are also additional actions that people with a uterus can take to help with the prevention, including quitting smoking, delaying the first sexual intercourse until late teens, and practicing safe sex with contraceptive methods such as condoms.

Managing Gestational Hypertension

Shawanda Renee Obey, MD, is an OB/GYN licensed in five states and board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Shawanda Renee Obey, MD, delivers prenatal care at the Northeast Valley Health Corporation in San Fernando, California, and treats common pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational hypertension.

Nearly 10 percent of women will develop high blood pressure during the second trimester of their pregnancy, a condition known as gestational hypertension. It is more common during first-time pregnancies or in women with a family history of the disease. Women with this condition can typically manage their blood pressure by changing their diet.

They should consume less sodium and increase their intake of foods rich in fatty acids and vitamin D. While lying down, women should shift their weight to their left side to avoid putting pressure on major arteries. Women with gestational hypertension usually have extra follow-ups with their doctor to monitor their health. In severe cases, blood pressure-lowering medications may be prescribed.

Joint Statement Condemns Discrimination Against Asian-Americans

Based in Santa Clarita, California, Shawanda Renee Obey, MD, has been a supervising physician at Northeast Valley Health Corporation, since October 2018. In addition to her professional duties, Shawanda Renee Obey, MD, supports organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The NAACP recently joined other civil rights organizations in calling for an end to racial discrimination and abuse against Asian-Americans, which it claims has been on the rise since the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, it suggests that members of the minority group have been the victims of violent attacks, among other abuses.

In a statement, the groups say Asian-Americans also have been victimized by xenophobic comments made by elected leaders, as well as portrayals in the media. They also highlight that, while people may discriminate based on race or ethnicity, the disease does not. As a result, the groups call on elected leaders to take measures to reduce and prevent this discrimination.

When Should You Get a Pap Test?

Twice selected as a Top OB/GYN by the Consumer’s Research Council of America, Shawanda Renee Obey, MD practices at several health facilities in the Los Angeles Basin. Shawanda Renee Obey, MD has several areas of professional interest, such as testing for cervical cancer.

At one time, cancer of the cervix was the leading cause of cancer deaths in American women. This toll has declined significantly because of early screening with the Pap test and the HPV (human papillomavirus) test. HPV is the virus that causes cervical cancer.

The Pap test (also known as the pap smear) involves collecting mucus and cells from the cervix and the surrounding area. Doctors who perform the test using a device known as a speculum to widen the vagina and make room for the instrument.

Women ages 21 to 29 should get the Pap test. If the result is normal, the doctor may suggest a waiting period of three years before another tested. From ages 30 to 65 the waiting period after a normal result varies. If you get a Pap test only, you should wait another three years. If you get an HPV test or both tests, that time span is five years.

Women over 65 may not need another test if they have had normal results. In addition, they do not need to be tested if they have had a hysterectomy for fibroids or another reason not related to cancer.