The Whole Woman Network community condoles with the family and friends of Remi Osholake, the creative and iconic designer behind ‘Remi Lagos.’ Ms. Osholake died at noon on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at the Harley Street Clinic, London, UK. 

She trained at the East Croydon School of Art & Design, Chelsea School of Art & Design and Inchbald School of Art & Interior Design. The quiet, unassuming and talented Ms Osholake, who was known for her love for black outfits, founded the iconic fashion house and was the creative force behind the brand’s phased expansion and international exposure through participation in prestigious fashion shows/runways in Europe, the United States of America and Africa.

Her longevity in the industry (over 25 years), was largely credited to her faith, unique talent, dedication to and passion for her craft. She carved a niche for herself in the often volatile fashion industry with her signature Kaftans. She is survived by her sister, Adetomi Osholake and friends who include Funmi Iyanda and Adebayo Jones.

Her death as a result of Uterine cancer (she was diagnosed with the disease in October, 2012), again brings the discussion of the importance of early screening and detection, especially among women of African descent, to the forefront.

**Ladies, ensure that you have an annual comprehensive medical check-up, including a pap smear. Be proactive and take action towards your overall well-being.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, ‘Post-menopausal women 45–70 years of age are at the highest risk of developing uterine cancer. Uterine cancer is more common in Caucasians than in other populations. Women living in North America or Europe develop uterine cancer more often than those living in other parts of the world. Women in higher income groups tend to be affected more than women in lower income groups.’

Some signs and symptoms of uterine cancer include:

• unusual vaginal bleeding
  • bleeding that starts after menopause
  • bleeding between periods in pre-menopausal women
  • heavy frequent bleeding before or during menopause
  • bleeding with intercourse
• unusual vaginal discharge
  • foul-smelling
  • pus-like
  • blood tinged
• pain during intercourse
• pelvic pain or pressure

(Note: These can also be caused by other health conditions. It is important to have any unusual symptoms checked by a doctor).

The following factors are known to increase the risk of developing uterine cancer (Culled from the website: Canadian Cancer Society, 03/11/2012, 5.20pm EST) .

1. Estrogen replacement therapy

Women who receive estrogen only, without progesterone, as hormone replacement therapy after menopause are at higher risk of developing uterine cancer.

2. Obesity

Obese women are at higher risk of developing uterine cancer because more estrogen is produced by the greater amount of fat. The risk is increased even more in obese women who have hypertension or diabetes. Being more than 50 pounds over the ideal body weight increases the risk of developing uterine cancer by about 10 times.

3. Menstrual history

Early menarche (first menstruation) and late menopause (after the age of 52) means a longer time of estrogen exposure and higher risk of developing uterine cancer.

4. Taking tamoxifen

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Tamofen) is a drug used to treat breast cancer. Women who are treated with this drug for 5 or more years are at higher risk of developing uterine cancer.

5. Never giving birth

Women who have never had a full-term pregnancy (are nulliparous) are twice as likely to develop uterine cancer as women who have given birth at least once.

6. Chronic anovulation

Women who do not ovulate (anovulation) during the menstrual cycle have a higher risk of developing uterine cancer. Anovulation may result from medical conditions, including hormonal imbalances and small cysts on the ovaries (polycystic ovary syndrome or Stein-Leventhal syndrome).

7. Endometrial hyperplasia

Endometrial hyperplasia is an overgrowth of normal cells that line the uterus. It tends to progress to atypical hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of abnormal cells.

8. Previous pelvic radiation

Women who have received high-dose radiation to the pelvis are at a higher risk of developing uterine cancer. Pelvic radiation is used to treat other cancers or bleeding from the uterus caused by a benign (non-cancerous) condition.

9. Diabetes

Diabetes increases the risk of uterine cancer. A woman is at even higher risk if she is also obese or has high blood pressure (hypertension)

10. Estrogen-secreting ovarian tumors

Estrogen-secreting ovarian tumors are usually removed by surgery. At the time of surgery, uterine cancer is found in 6%–21% of women with estrogen-secreting tumors.

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Remember, you are not ordinary, you are divinely unique.

You are WOW (Wonderful One-of-a-kind Woman)!

w(H)olistically Yours,

Whole Woman Network

-Take Action Towards a Healthier, Sexier, Wealthier YOU!

Related articles

• What Are the Symptoms & Signs of Uterine Cancer? (cancercenter.com)
• What Are the Risk Factors for Uterine Cancer? (cancercenter.com)
• Learning About the Stages of Uterine Cancer (everydayhealth.com)
• Why You Could Be At Risk For Uterine Cancer (jeanfischer.wordpress.com)
• Popular Designer Remi Osholake of Remi Lagos has passed away (belloibrahim.wordpress.com)