This year, it’s estimated that over 106,000 women will be diagnosed with cancer of their reproductive organs. Since most of these cancers do not have a screening, you should know the symptoms. September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, and this article will discuss these cancers, including signs and symptoms so you know when to see your doctor.
What Is Gynecological Cancer?
Gynecological cancer is the umbrella term for cancer of a woman’s reproductive organs. There are many different types of gynecological cancer, and it’s vital to learn more about them because most of these cancers don’t have a screening test for early detection.
Learning about gynecological cancers can help you learn warning signs and seek treatment when something isn’t right.
Types of Gynecological Cancer
Getting cancer diagnosed early is important to treat or cure it. Learning about the different types of cancer and knowing what’s normal (and what isn’t) can help you seek treatment early.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is when cancer starts at the cervix, the opening of the uterus. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is usually the cause of cervical cancer. Before the cells turn to cancer, there are warning signs that the cells are changing. This is why getting cervical cancer screening (PAP smear) is so important. Women should get one every three years to detect changes in the cervical cells.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is when cancer forms in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other gynecological cancer so early detection is extremely important. Ovarian cancer is hard to detect because there are usually no symptoms in the early stages and no specific screening for it.
You can get blood tests that might help find ovarian cancer. The CA-125 blood test can detect a high level of a specific protein often associated with ovarian cancer. The CA-125 test may not be suitable for everyone. Black women often have a lower level of CA-125 which means this test might not be accurate for them.
Ovalab has a blood test available for New York City residents called OVA1plus. This blood test can better detect ovarian cancer and has higher sensitivities for Black women, meaning it’s more accurate. This test can assess your overall risk profile for cancer, giving you important information for your healthcare.
Uterine Cancer
This cancer starts in the uterus or lining of the uterus called the endometrium. Everyone with a uterus is at risk for this type of cancer, although the risk seems to increase with age. The majority of uterine cancers are diagnosed around menopause, the time when a woman stops getting her period.
Uterine Sarcoma
This rare subtype of uterine cancer starts in the uterine muscles or tissues around the uterus that support it.
Since it is rate, the most significant risk factors for uterine sarcoma are:
- Using tamoxifen for breast cancer treatment
- History of radiation treatment around the pelvis
Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is also rare and can start in various tissues within the vagina. Notify your doctor of any pain, abnormal bleeding or discharge.
Vulvar Cancer
This is when cancer starts on the vulva or external genitalia, affecting the outer part of the vagina. There is usually a warning sign that the skin of the vulva is changing, this is called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). Without treatment, VIN can turn into vulvar cancer.
Risk factors for vulvar cancer include:
- Previous HPV infection
- Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
- Genital warts
What Are Common Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancer?
Each type of cancer will have different symptoms, but some cancer symptoms overlap. Let your doctor know if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Heavier periods or bleeding in between periods
- Bleeding after menopause
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Abdominal bloating
- Constipation
- Feeling full too quickly after eating
- Back pain
- Need to urinate often
- Itching, burning, pain or tenderness around the vulva
- Rash, sores or warts around the vulva
Listening to your body is essential. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s a sign something isn’t right, and you should notify your doctor immediately. Early cancer detection can ensure you get treated early, which is important for survival.
How Are Gynecologic Cancers Treated?
Cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer, where it’s located and if it’s spread to other body parts. Each person will work with their healthcare team to discuss the best options for their specific situation.
Most gynecologic cancer treatments will include:
- Surgery: to remove as much of the cancer tissues as possible
- Chemotherapy: a very potent medication that will help shrink and destroy cancer cells
- Radiation: high doses of energy or X-rays that destroy cancer cells in the body
Learning all about gynecologic cancer empowers you to make your own healthcare decisions. If you experience these symptoms, visit your healthcare provider to explore the issue further.
Sources:
Key Statistics For Ovarian Cancer
