Gynecological cancers

When the reproduction of cells isn't a good thing

Gynecological cancers are a devastating group of cancers that strike down thousands of women per year. It is important to have screening tests, such as pap smears, to catch these cancers early, but it is just as important to pay attention to your body. If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, you need to see a gynecologist as soon as possible. It may mean your life. Just about any gynecologist can make the diagnosis of a reproductive cancer, but you will likely need a specialist, a gynecologist oncologist, to help you through the course of your disease. This doctor will be able to help you with surgical considerations, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments, as well as providing psychological support. The single most important thing you can do to prevent gynecological cancers is to know your body and report any changes that don't seem quite right.

Cervical cancer: the only cancer with a vaccine

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina, and it is opening of the uterine cavity. Nearly all cervical cancer results from the human papilloma virus, and there is a controversial new vaccine out to prevent this virus from infecting girls. The HPV virus is usually transmitted sexually from males to females, and it can cause this often-fatal form of reproductive cancer. Smoking, HIV, long-term birth control use, and multiple births are other known causes of cervical cancer. Unfortunately, not many symptoms are noticeable if you have this type of cancer. The only outward sign is abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, usually after sex. This is definitely a red flag warning sign, and it needs to be reported to a doctor immediately.

Uterine Cancer: cancer where babies grow

Uterine cancer is abnormal growths, or tumors, of the actual womb. The uterus is roughly the size of your fist and located deep in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone. In 2007, 41,314 women were diagnosed with uterine cancer, and 7,456 eventually died from it, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Uterine cancer usually makes itself known through abnormal vaginal discharge and bleeding. This could mean heavier than normal bleeding, spotting between your period, bleeding after menopause, bleeding after sex, or any other change in your vaginal discharge. Another common symptom is pelvic pain and discomfort. Usually, uterine cancer is found in women older than 50, in those who are obese, and in those who have taken estrogen therapy drugs. There may also be a genetic factor, so if someone in your family has had uterine, ovarian, or colon cancer; you stand a higher risk of getting this form of cancer.

Ovarian cancer: the most deadly reproductive cancer

The ovaries are two, small, marble-like organs that sit on either side of the uterus at the openings of the fallopian tubes. They produce the egg that the sperm fertilizes to create a baby and are also responsible for releasing the female hormone estrogen into the bloodstream. Although this type of cancer does not usually affect women until they are over 60, it is the most deadly form of female reproductive cancer. About 20,000 women per year get ovarian cancer, and it is the fifth leading cause of cancer death. Fortunately, many signs and symptoms appear to indicate ovarian cancer. As usual, abnormal bleeding or vaginal discharge is always a red flag for any type of cancer and should not be ignored. Pelvic pain and pressure is another sign of ovarian cancer. You can also have abdominal pain, or pain in your stomach, and back pain when you have this type of cancer. Bloating and changes in your bowel movements and bathroom habits are other, uncommon symptoms that you can look out for. Ovarian cancer definitely has a genetic component because you are more likely to get it if a relative had it. Other risk factors include endometriosis, breast or uterine cancer, and infertility.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Cervical Cancer
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Uterine Cancer
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Ovarian Cancer

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