ABOUT GYNECOLOGIC CANCERS

September is National Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, which is symbolized by the color teal. Because there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancers except cervical cancer, increased awareness is extremely important. Women are urged to learn the warning signs and how to reduce their risk.

What is gynecologic cancer?

Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in a woman's reproductive organs. (Cancer is always named for the part of the body where it starts.) There are five main types: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. A sixth type of gynecologic cancer is the very rare fallopian tube cancer.

What are the symptoms?

Each gynecologic cancer is unique, with different signs and symptoms, different risk factors and different prevention strategies. For example, a woman with vulva cancer may experience pelvic pain or pressure, itching or burning and changes in skin color or sores, warts and rashes. A woman with cervical cancer may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge. Other types may cause changes in bathroom habits.

Read more about the most common symptoms

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/symptoms.htm

When should you see a doctor?

At the first sign of a change that is unusual for you. When gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective. Doctors say early detection is crucial. That is why it is so important to give women and their families the education they need to lower their risks of late detection of the disease.

According to the CDC, if you have vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, talk to a doctor right away. You should also see a doctor if you have any other warning signs that last for two weeks or longer and are not normal for you. Symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see a doctor.

Click for more information about prevention, screening and diagnosis http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/prevention.htm

Who’s at risk?

All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and risk increases with age.

(Source: CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/index.htm

Click here for more facts about gynecologic cancer
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/knowledge/pdf/CDC_GYN_Comprehensive_Brochure.pdf
 

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