S.H.E. Circle | Cervical, Ovarian and Uterine Cancer: What You Should Know About Gynecological Cancer

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Wellness Guide: Cervical, Ovarian and Uterine Cancer

What You Should Know
About Gynecological Cancer

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer has been linked to the human papilloma virus (HPV). As a sexually transmitted disease, HPV can be transmitted between two women, or between a man and a woman. Therefore, anyone who has sex with men or women is at risk for HPV infection.

Women who have had sex at an early age, or have had sex with multiple sex partners are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer.

Other risk factors include smoking and being overweight. ¹

Most people don’t have symptoms until abnormal cells in the cervix become cancerous and begin to spread. Symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding that happens between periods; or periods that are heavier or longer than normal; bleeding after douching or penetrative sexual contact; and/or increased vaginal discharge.

Uterine/Endometrial Cancer

Different types of cancer can effect the uterus (“womb”) and its lining (endometrium). ²

Uterine/Endometrial cancer usually happens after menopause, which can also be called “The Change of Life”. Most women enter menopause by their mid 50’s. Officially it is defined as not having your period for at least 12 consecutive months. Many other changes occur at this time as well due to the change in our hormonal makeup.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting, especially for older women, may be an early warning sign that should be reported to your health care provider.

Increased levels of estrogen caused by obesity, starting your period young (early menarche), use of estrogen as a hormone replacement therapy (HRT), late menopause, not having children, and a history of not ovulating (anovulation), may increase your risk of uterine/endometrial cancer.

Uterine fibroids which are solid, usually nonmalignant tumors occur very often in African American women. These are NOT associated with uterine/endometrial cancer.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the number two killer of the female (gynecologic) cancers.

There is no routine screening test available for ovarian cancer which is why all women should receive a thorough pelvic examination as a part of their annual gynecological examination. This pelvic exam should include both the speculum exam and the bimanual exam (having your medical provider actually feel your ovaries and womb (uterus) for abnormalities).

Women of all ages can develop ovarian cancer. The symptoms are often vague and therefore frequently thought to be due to some other cause. Symptoms may include pelvic pain or discomfort, leg pain or abdominal bloating. Just remember if symptoms do not go away you should continue to ask your provider for help in figuring out their cause

Women who have had breast cancer or who have a family member with breast cancer or ovarian cancer are also at increased risk.

· Women who are at high risk or who have persistent symptoms should receive a pelvic ultrasound after a thorough pelvic examination. They may also want to discuss having a blood test (CA125) that might help determine the diagnosis.

References:

¹ Curry, S. J., Byers, T., Hewitt, M. (Eds). (2003). Fulfilling the potential of cancer prevention and early detection. National Academy Press: Washington, DC.

² Office of Women's Health. (2003). Cancer of the Uterus. Retrieved on October 18, 2004, from http://www.4woman.gov/faq/cuterine.htm