Life is so busy for so many of us. Women can easily get caught up in the whirlwind of activity and find themselves prioritizing their families over themselves. We love the people in our lives, so it’s only natural for us to put their needs above our own. However, when it comes to our overall health and wellbeing, we cannot cut corners, for their sake and our own. Preventative screenings can make all the difference when it comes to early cancer detection and effective cancer treatment.
As we closed out September, we also closed out Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. Now is a great time for women to take stock of their health and wellness and schedule an appointment with their gynecologic care provider if they have any concerns.
What are gynecologic cancers?
Gynecologic cancers are cancers that begin in female reproductive organs. Cervical cancer, fallopian tube cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer all fall under this umbrella.
These cancers are less common than other types, but no less serious. The American Cancer Society estimates more than 67,000 new cases of uterine cancer, the most common gynecologic cancer, will be diagnosed in the U.S. before the year is finished. Compare that to the same statistic for breast cancer, which is the most prevalent cancer in women. The National Cancer Institute estimates more than 310,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
Talk to your doctor
The risk of gynecologic cancer increases as a woman grows older, which makes it so important for each of us to understand our own bodies and take action when we feel something is not right.
Some common symptoms that can, in some cases, be signs of gynecologic cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding; abnormal vaginal discharge; a bloated, full feeling that could make eating difficult; pelvic pain; a change in urinary or bowel habits; or itching, burning, pain, tenderness or a change in appearance of the vulva, which is a woman’s external genitalia. No bleeding after menopause is normal, so if that is happening to you, please seek guidance from your gynecologic care provider. These sorts of symptoms can be uncomfortable to talk about, but it is important to be honest and open with your caregivers about how you are feeling.
Report family history
Some women may be at risk for gynecologic cancers due to a family history of cancer. Please notify your provider if you have family members who have had breast, uterine, ovarian, colon or other cancers. Your family’s medical history could shape the kinds of cancer screening tests your care practitioner might recommend, or preventative surgery might be advised.
Consider HPV vaccination
Vaccines are powerful tools to combat the development of disease and they can play a key role in cancer prevention. The human papillomavirus is a very common sexually transmitted disease, but the HPV vaccine can protect women against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone through age 26 and can be given starting at age 9. It can be difficult to think about STD risks when the children in our lives are so young, but this vaccine has been proven safe, effective and lasting. As with all vaccines, it is important to speak with your child’s pediatrician to determine the best course of action for your individual family.
For adults 27 years and older, the HPV vaccine is approved through age 45. It is possible that some women in this age range may also benefit from vaccination.
Comprehensive, specialized care
When a patient and their loved ones are going through something as life-altering as a cancer diagnosis, I and the other caregivers at the Bassett Cancer Institute know how important it is to provide not only care, but as much peace of mind as possible.
Many forms of cancer require more than one type of treatment and a plethora of other support services. Bassett’s team of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses and other staff all work in coordination to provide comprehensive, specialized care to our patients.
While a cancer diagnosis is certainly a daunting, emotional experience for anyone, there have been incredible strides made in even the past decade in cancer therapy and treatment, including immunotherapy, clinical trials, minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
There is hope and that hope begins with awareness.