Wellness Guide: Cervical, Ovarian and Uterine Cancer

How Your Doctor Can Help

You should discuss with your doctor whether you have a family history of cancer, (particularly breast and reproductive cancers), or other factors that might put you at risk such as early menarche, not having had children, abnormal bleeding (outside of your period), previous use of estrogen HRT or tamoxifin.

• Cervical Cancer
  The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated. You should start having pap tests at least once every three years, beginning about three years after you become sexually active, but no later than age 21. You should also get an HPV DNA test, which looks for the virus that can cause these cancerous cell changes. Make sure that you find out your results and understand what they mean. All women need Pap tests, including lesbian and bisexual women.

• Ovarian Cancer
  Pelvic exam, transvaginal ultrasound or CA125: These tests are not to be used for general screening. If you are at increased risk for ovarian cancer, or have abnormal bleeding, you should discuss with your health care provider whether these tests are right for you

• Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
  There is currently no screening test for endometrial cancer. Look for symptoms. See your provider for an evaluation if things persist. Finding a problem early increases the chance of successful treatment.

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