GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCER AWARENESS

GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCER AWARENESS

Every year over 6 lakh new cancer cases are detected among women in India and at least one fourth of these are Gynaecological cancers.Gynaecological cancers are those occurring in women’s reproductive organs and mainly include Cervical cancer, Ovarian cancer, Uterine cancer and cancer of the Vulva.A woman’s risk of developing these cancers increases over the age of 60 years.Every 6 minutes a woman is diagnosed with Gynaecological cancer. Hence it is imperative to spread awareness about these cancers so that women can seek treatment at an early stage, cancer can even be prevented and deaths due to cancer can be reduced. September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women followed by Ovarian cancer. It may present with symptoms like unusual vaginal bleeding, having longer or heavier periods than what is normal for you, bleeding after attaining menopause and foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Infection of the cervix with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is almost always the cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that also causes many cases of vaginal and vulvar cancers. HPV vaccine dramatically reduces the rate of HPV infection, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers and pre-cancer. It is recommended for all boys and girls Cervical cancer is the only Gynaecological cancer that has definite recommendations for screening. Pap test or Pap smear and HPV test can detect pre-cancer and cancer of the cervix at an early stage.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynaecological cancer as only 15% of these present in early, more curable stage. It may present with vague symptoms like abdominal bloating, loss of appetite or feeling full quickly, nausea, indigestion, pain or pressure in pelvic region. Family history: Around 10-20% of Breast and Ovarian cancers are linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which are genetically inherited. Genetic testing: If your mother, daughter, sister or other female relative has had ovarian cancer, talk to your doctor about genetic testing to assess your risk. Genetic testing can also be considered if you or a first-degree relative had breast cancer before the age of 45.

Endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer forms in the the lining of the uterus. It may also present with symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding and post menopausal bleeding. Obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes may increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce the risk of Endometrial cancer

Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer forms in a woman’s external genitalia and often affects the outer vaginal lips. It presents with symptoms like itching, abnormal skin thickening and mass over the vulva.It is important to pay attention to any unusual symptoms especially if it persists for two weeks or longer so that you can recognise gynaecological cancers early and consult a Gynaecological Oncologist or Cancer Specialist at the earliest.