| GYNECOLOGICAL CANCERS
No matter what type of cancer, ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, or vulva, they tend not to be as outspoken as the more common breast cancer.
Endometrial Cancer
Also called uterine cancer, it’s the most common gynecological malignancy. It is one of only a few types of cancer whose death rate is increasing. The most likely reasons are that obesity is increasing, which leads to more estrogen, which fat “holds” and overstimulates the uterine lining. Obesity has also increased a second risk factor, which is diabetes. Lastly, hormone therapy without progesterone increases not only endometrial cancer but also breast cancer.
Ovarian Cancer
One of the leading causes of death among women. There is no reliable screening test for women at risk, and so it’s often found at a later stage. The top risk factor is family history. Symptoms include bloating, pelvic pain, urinary or bowel changes, and back pain. This is usually a signal of the spread of the disease.
(Did You Know? It is estimated by the American Cancer Society that over 42,000 women will die from breast cancer this year.)
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is most often diagnosed at early stages. The majority of cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread through sexual contact. The screening tests are a Pap smear and HPV testing. Prevention can be achieved through vaccination up to age 26 and, in some circumstances, up to 45. It is also one of the most common oral cancers in men. Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer both had it.
Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
Both of these are linked to HPV as well as smoking. Symptoms include pain, itching, burning, bumps, rashes or changes in skin color.
Guarding against gynecological cancers includes the following tips: Maintain a healthy weight to lower the amount of estrogen your body produces. Continue exams and testing, including HPV and Pap smears. A pelvic exam should be part of your yearly physical. Quit smoking, period. Watch for unusual symptoms such as bleeding, discharge, pain, and other symptoms. If your family has a history of breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer, consider genetic testing for BRCA1 or BRCA2. |
