September is gynaecological cancer awareness month. It is an excellent opportunity to remind ourselves of the types, possible causes, signs and symptoms. Raising awareness may help to identify and treat these cancers early.
Types of gynaecological cancer
There are 5 main types of gynaecological cancer – cervical, ovarian, uterine, endometrial and vulvar. There is also a very rare type of fallopian tube cancer.
What are the symptoms of a gynae cancer?
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is a common sign of most of the gynaecological cancers. Bleeding in between periods or after sex is a common sign, but a change in the flow or regularity of a period with any of these other symptoms should be reported. Feeling full quickly, feeling bloated, and abdominal or back pain are all common symptoms with ovarian cancer. Pelvic pain or pressure symptoms are common with ovarian and uterine cancers. Ovarian and vaginal cancers can give some women an urgent need to urinate or suffer from constipation. Signs of vulval cancer include itching, burning, tenderness or pain of the vulva, and changes in vulva colour or skin, such as ulceration and rash.
Cervical cancer is the only one which offers regular screening
From the age of 25 to 64 you are invited to attend for a smear test every 1, 3 or 5 years depending on your age and previous history.
Benefits of cervical screening
- “Cervical screening aims to identify whether you are at higher risk of developing cervical cell changes or cervical cancer. This means you can get any care or treatment you need early.
- England, Scotland and Wales now use HPV primary screening, which is even better as it is based on your individual risk. This means how frequently you are invited for cervical screening is based on your last result and within a timeframe that is safe for you.” (www.jostrust.org.uk)
Ovarian cancer
There is currently no national screening programme for ovarian cancer, so it is really important to report any changes in your body to your GP. If you have any of the symptoms listed above and they are persistent, severe, frequent or unusual, you should make an appointment with your GP.
Investigations
Some of the tests needed when investigating for a gynae cancer may include a pelvic examination, an ultrasound scan, a biopsy of the area, blood tests and either MRI or CT scans. Many of these tests can be slightly uncomfortable or seen as a bit embarrassing, but the professionals looking after you are very experienced and understanding. Even if you feel your symptoms are minor, please discuss these with your GP, as they may be not cancer related. These can include a cervical ectropian, ovarian cyst or a simple infection.
Reducing your risk
There are ways of reducing your risk of gynae cancers. Being healthy generally is important and having a BMI within normal range. This reduces the chance of raised blood pressure and diabetes. Stopping smoking will also reduce the chance.
The key to finding most of these cancers early is for each woman to know her body. Spotting any changes and reporting these to your doctor will allow early detection and treatment. This will mean any treatment can start sooner and the success of treatment improved.
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