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Gynecologic cancers, which impact a woman’s reproductive organs, pose a risk for all women.
There are five different types of gynecologic cancer. These are cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar. Each has distinct signs, symptoms and risk factors. Nearly 115,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with one of these cancers this year. Here, we will break down the most common:
Cervical Cancer
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can weaken the immune system and put women at high risk for infection. While most women with an HPV infection will not develop cervical cancer, a small percentage will. Vaccination against HPV is the most effective way to protect young women from developing the disease. HPV vaccines are recommended for boys and girls between ages 9 and 12 and young adults ages 13 through 26 who have not been vaccinated or received all doses.
Once one of the most frequent causes of cancer deaths among women, the death rate from cervical cancer has declined by more than 50% over the past decades. Standard Pap tests, or Pap smears (screenings that can detect abnormal changes in the cervix), and widespread acceptance of the HPV vaccine have drastically reduced its occurrence.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other female reproductive system cancer. The risk increases with age; ovarian cancer often occurs after menopause, and it is rare in women younger than 40. About one-half of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are age 63 or older.
Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer is the most common type of gynecologic cancer. While it can occur in younger women, it most frequently occurs in women over 45. Most uterine cancers are found in women who are going through or have gone through menopause. Its most prevalent form, endometrial cancer, is curable when found early.
Warning Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of female reproductive cancers vary depending on the organ involved, and not all women will experience the same symptoms. In early stages, many forms of cancers produce no symptoms at all.
Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge or pelvic pain, including pain during intercourse, can signal gynecologic cancer. Other signs may include more frequent urination, bloating or constipation. Skin changes on the vulva, such as soreness, itching or a visible lesion, can also indicate concern.
Always contact your health care provider if you experience any of these discomforts. Because symptoms are often vague and can also be caused by other, less severe conditions, practitioners encourage women to have regular gynecologic exams to check for signs of disease.
Screenings Are the Best Prevention
The importance of cancer screenings cannot be overstated. Routine screenings can detect cancer in early stages, even before symptoms appear, and make it easier to treat.
Currently, only cervical cancer has a routine screening test — the Pap smear. Pap smears involve collecting cells from the cervix. It is not painful and is conducted as part of a pelvic exam in a health care office or clinic. Also, an HPV test looks for high-risk types of infection that are more likely to cause cancer of the cervix. The two tests can be done alone or simultaneously during a pelvic exam.
Because cancer can take years to develop and can stay hidden, it is essential for women to begin cervical cancer screening at age 21. Pap tests are recommended every three years for women ages 21 to 29 and then every three to five years, in addition to an HPV test until age 65.
What’s Your Risk?
Medical experts still do not fully understand the causes of many forms of gynecologic cancer.
Genetics plays a role in all forms of cancer. A woman whose mother, sister or daughter had ovarian or the less common fallopian tube cancer might be at higher risk for similar cancers. She may choose to undergo genetic testing to identify specific mutations.
Because cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers are often linked to HPV, using condoms is critical for prevention. Estrogen therapies used to treat the symptoms of menopause have also been linked to female reproductive cancers.
Talk with your provider about the factors that may increase your risk. Ask what steps exist to improve your prevention and whether you should undergo specific screening tests. Be sure to follow their recommendations throughout your lifetime.
Treatments
Treatment options for gynecologic cancers depend on many factors, including the type and stage of the disease. Surgery or radiation, sometimes combined with chemotherapy, is the most common treatment. Advanced laparoscopy (a less invasive type of surgery) and pelvic reconstruction are
other options.
Gynecologic oncologists have advanced training and specialize in treating all forms of female malignancies. Increasingly, they can use noninvasive techniques to perform technically challenging surgical procedures. With these options, patients experience less pain, faster recovery time, lower risk of infection and other side effects and minimal scarring.
New Options Through Clinical Trials
Advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of all cancer forms continue rapidly, thanks to ongoing clinical research. Clinical trials have played a significant role in these advancements, saving more lives. Patients participating in these safe and carefully supervised groundbreaking research studies receive the latest treatments available, which can positively impact their outcomes.
WORLD-CLASS MEDICINE, HOMETOWN CARE.
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