What is gynecologic cancer?
Gynecologic cancer is a group of cancers that affect the tissue and organs of the female reproductive system. There are five main types of gynecologic cancers–each named after the organ it originated in–which include:
- Ovarian Cancer: a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, which are the female reproductive glands located on each side of the uterus
- Cervical Cancer: cancer that begins in the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus (the organ where a fetus grows) that leads to the vagina (birth canal)
- Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer: a type of cancer that begins in the uterus, which is the hollow, pear-shaped pelvic organ in women where fetal development occurs
- Vulvar Cancer: is a type of cancer that occurs on the vulva, the external part of the female genitals, including the clitoris, the vaginal lips, the opening to the vagina, and the surrounding skin and tissue
- Vaginal Cancer: cancer that begins in the vagina, which is the channel between the bottom of the uterus and the outside of the body
Causes, risk factors, and symptoms vary among the different types of cancer, making each gynecologic cancer unique. One commonality, however, is that treatment is most effective when gynecologic cancers are found early.
What are the risk factors for developing a gynecologic cancer?
All women are at risk for developing a gynecologic cancer, and the risk increases with age. This does not mean, however, that all women will develop one of these cancers. Although different cancers have different risk factors, there are some common risk factors every woman should be aware of.
Gynecologic Cancer Risk Factors
Risk factors that women may have control over and are known to increase a woman’s chance of developing a gynecologic cancer include:
- Getting infected with Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Tobacco use
- Long-term use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
- Being overweight or obese
- Eating a diet lacking in proper nutrition
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen given during pregnancy, prior to the year 1970, to prevent miscarriage
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS) infection
Reduce Risks for Gynecologic Cancers
Some important things you may consider doing to reduce your risk or prevent gynecologic cancer may include:
- Getting the HPV vaccine
- Quitting smoking
- Eating healthier and exercising regularly
- Limiting the number of sexual partners you have
- Using latex condoms during sex
Additional, Uncontrollable Risk Factors
Other risk factors that are out of a woman’s control may include:
- Age: the older you are, the higher the risk.
- Race: Caucasian and Hispanic women have a higher chance of a diagnosis.
- Family history: not all gynecologic cancers have hereditary genes. Meet with the doctors in the Compass Oncology Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing program to discuss your family history of cancer and if your genetics may be a risk factor for gynecologic cancers.
It’s important to remember that many women with one or more risk factors never develop gynecologic cancer–and although there is no proven way to completely prevent these diseases, there may be steps you can take to lower your cancer risk. Talk with your Compass Oncology cancer doctor if you have concerns about your personal risk of developing any type of gynecologic cancer.
What are gynecologic cancer symptoms?
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Understanding the symptoms of gynecologic cancer can help you be aware of early warning signs. Below is a broad list that covers some symptoms you should be aware of:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Bloating and/or feeling of fullness
- Frequent or urgent bowel changes
Again, this is just a broad list of common symptoms. The American Cancer Society has additional information regarding specific symptoms related to ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, vulvar cancer, and vaginal cancer.
See your gynecologist if you experience one or more of these symptoms for more than a month. It’s also important to regularly visit your gynecologist for an exam, even if symptoms are not present.
What should I ask my doctor about gynecologic cancer testing?
Establishing a relationship with your doctor that includes open dialogue provides you with the opportunity to learn specific information regarding gynecological cancer. Some questions you may consider asking include:
- What is a Pap test and what is its purpose? A Pap (Papanicolaou) smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for gynecological cancer in women. It involves collecting cells from your cervix so that they can be looked at under the microscope to find cancer and pre-cancer. The main purpose of screening with the Pap test is to detect abnormal cells that may develop into cancer if left untreated. Cancer cells, as well as non-cancerous conditions, such as infections and inflammation, can also be found with a Pap test.
- When should I have my next Pap test? The frequency of your Pap tests typically depends on your age and health history. Your doctor will be able to determine how often you should get screened.
- What do my Pap test results mean? It is important to understand that Pap tests are not perfect. Results are categorized as normal, abnormal, and inconclusive. They can even be a false positive and false negative. Results other than normal do not necessarily mean that you have cancer. Your doctor will suggest more tests if they are needed.
- When can I stop getting a Pap test? Most women ages 21 to 65 should be screened regularly. Even postmenopausal women who are still younger than 65 still need regular Pap tests. Women who have had a hysterectomy, and/or women who have no history of cervical cancer or abnormal Pap results, and/or women older than 65 who have had 3 normal Pap tests in a row do not need Pap tests. Your doctor can help you determine when it’s the right time to stop getting screened.
- Is the HPV test right for me? HPV tests are not recommended for women under the age of 30. In most cases, HPV tests are conducted with a Pap test (co-testing) every 5 years. Talk to your doctor about co-testing if you are age 30-65.
- Are there any other gynecologic cancer tests that I need, based on my personal health and family cancer history? If so, what are they? Why do I need them? How do they work? In addition to Pap smears, women who are 18 years of age or sexually active should consider a pelvic exam. Women beginning menopause that are also considered high risk may want to consider an endometrial tissue sample. Patients who have a known family history of breast or gynecological cancers may consider genetic testing to see if they carry a specific gene mutation that could increase their risk of cancer. Your doctor will be able to discuss additional options with you.
The Compass Oncology team is eager to explain the facts and answer your questions at every step along the way. We have several convenient locations in the Portland-Vancouver area, which makes it easy to schedule an appointment close to home.
