Cancer can occur just about anywhere in the body. It’s the result of abnormal cells growing and spreading.
Women may be vulnerable to developing cancer in the reproductive organs, including the ovaries, cervix, and endometrium (lining of the uterus), and less commonly in the vagina, vulva, Fallopian tubes, and placenta, if pregnant.
The FemmePro OB/GYN Professional Team encourages regular screenings for gynecological cancers as part of a woman’s routine preventive care. Here are five facts that FemmPro OB/GYN wants you to know about gynecological cancers and why it’s crucial to be aware of their potential impact on your health.
Gynecological cancer can develop on seven female organs:
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix but is quite preventable. Pap smears identify irregular cells early so they can be treated, and cancer never gets a chance to form.
Uterine cancer develops on the lining of the uterus – the endometrium. This type of cancer is at a high risk of quick spread. However, it’s usually detected early with a good prognosis.
Ovarian cancer can develop in several ways. It may begin in the cells of the ovaries or fallopian tubes.
Vulvar cancer develops outside of a woman’s genitals. An HPV vaccine reduces the risk of developing vulvar cancer.
Vaginal cancer is extremely rare and typically starts in the lining of the vagina. An HPV vaccine reduces your risk of developing this cancer.
GTD develops in the placenta during what should be a normal pregnancy. It’s treated with great success so that you can go on to carry and deliver a healthy baby in the future..
This disease is related to a certain type of ovarian cancer. Cells in the peritoneum, a layer of tissue surrounding the abdomen, become cancerous.
Regular screenings are crucial to the detection of many gynecological cancers. Often, these cancers have no symptoms or are so mild or usual that you don’t necessarily recognize them as cancer.
You may feel bloating, back pain, or feelings of fullness. Ovarian cancer can lead to abnormal bleeding, constipation, and cervical cancer may cause an irregular vaginal discharge or haphazard menstrual bleeding. If you experience unusual symptoms, make an appointment at FemmePro OB/GYN to get checked out.
Cervical cancer is often called a “silent killer” because it has very few symptoms.
Regular Pap smears and screenings prevent cervical cancer by providing early detection of irregular cells that could turn cancerous. We recommend you receive an annual Pap smear or test by age 21 and annually thereafter. The test doesn’t screen for all cancers, however.
HPV, or human papillomavirus, has many strains, several of which are passed as a sexually transmitted disease. Up to 79 million Americans are infected with HPV, so it’s incredibly common. Certain strains of HPV can lead to cell changes that cause cervical cancer.
We often suggest you undergo HPV testing along with a Pap smear as the ultimate way to detect cervical cancer early.
We are glad to answer any questions you may have about gynecological cancers such as:
We want to do ALL we can to help you understand how you can protect yourself and your reproductive health.
Cervical cancer is no longer the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. This is largely due to women’s diligence in getting regular Pap smears and follow-up screenings.
Call one of the FemmPro OB/GYN offices today or use the online tool to schedule an appointment to get the screenings and routine exams you need to ensure you’re safe from gynecological cancer. We’re here for you!
