What All Women Should Know About Gynecologic Cancer
August 1, 2023
Categories: Cancer, Primary Care, Womens Health
Every woman should be aware of gynecologic cancers because every woman is at risk. These cancers, including endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer, start in a woman’s reproductive organs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that each year in the United States about 89,000 women are diagnosed with a type of gynecologic cancer, and more than 29,000 women die from the disease. Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge is a common sign of most gynecologic cancers, so let your doctor know right away if you’re experiencing abnormal bleeding.
READ: Rosemary Dawson is serving up an ace after robotic surgery to treat her uterine cancer.
WATCH: Albert Steren, MD, gynecologic oncology, Holy Cross Health, discusses treating gynecologic cancer.
The Facts About Endometrial Cancer
Cancer of the endometrium is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 66,570 new cases of endometrial (uterine) cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2021 and about 12,940 women will die from it.
Endometrial cancer primarily affects postmenopausal women. It is uncommon in women under 45. The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as a change in your period or bleeding between periods or after menopause. See your doctor right away if you experience any irregular bleeding. Most cases of endometrial cancer cannot be prevented, but there are some things that may lower your risk. Women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk, so maintain a healthy weight. If you’re taking estrogen to treat the symptoms of menopause, progestins can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer; however, this combination increases the risk for breast cancer. So be sure to talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of hormone therapy.
The Facts About Ovarian Cancer
About 21,410 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021, and about 13,770 women die from it, according to the American Cancer Society. There is no known way to prevent ovarian cancer, and it is one of the most difficult gynecologic cancers to detect.
Ovarian cancer may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain or pressure in the pelvic area, abdominal or back pain, bloating, feeling full too quickly or difficulty eating, or a change in bathroom habits such as constipation or more frequent need to urinate. These symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, but you should see your doctor if any of these signs last for two weeks or longer. Older women are more likely to get ovarian cancer than younger women. Other factors that increase your risk include having close family members who have had ovarian cancer or have had breast cancer yourself. Your doctor may recommend genetic testing if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
The Facts about Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer death for American women. But the death rate has dropped dramatically during the past 40 years as more women started getting regular Pap tests. Pap tests find cervical cancer early when it’s small and easier to treat. The American Cancer Society says that in 2021, about 14,480 new cases will be diagnosed and less than 4,290 women die from it.
Cervical cancer typically doesn’t show any signs or symptoms early on. In later stages, it may cause unusual bleeding or discharge from the vagina, and it’s important to see your doctor if you experience such bleeding or discharge. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that is so common that most people get it at some time in their lives. The infection typically clears up on its own. But when the infection doesn’t clear up, it can turn into abnormal cells that eventually lead to cancer.
You can reduce your risk of getting cervical cancer by getting a Pap test regularly. The CDC says all women should start getting a Pap test at age 21. Doctors typically recommend you get the test every three years, and women over 30 may also get an HPV test at the same time to look for HPV infection. Teens and young women should consider getting the HPV vaccine, which protects against the types of HPV that most often lead to cervical cancer. The vaccine can be given to both girls and boys as early as age 9 and up to age 26. Talk to your doctor about when is the right time to get the HPV vaccine.
Treating Gynecologic Cancer
Holy Cross Hospital and Holy Cross Germantown Hospital are regional leaders in the treatment of cancers that affect women. We offer the most advanced treatment options available, including minimally invasive robotic surgery. Holy Cross Hospital is designated a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG) by Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) and Holy Cross Health's physician partners perform more gynecologic and gynecologic oncology inpatient surgeries than any other hospital or health system in Maryland.
Albert Steren, MD, is a gynecologic oncologist at Holy Cross Hospital and Holy Cross Germantown Hospital. He says the primary goal of treatment is to relieve patients of their symptoms and cure them of their disease. “Gynecologic cancer is treated primarily with surgery, either hysterectomy or a debulking procedure to get rid of any cancer that might be visible in the abdominal cavity,” he says. “Often that's followed up with other forms of therapy such as chromatography or radiation.”
Watch Dr. Steren talk more about treating gynecologic cancers:
Holy Cross Health presents the information in this blog as a resource for our community. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice or to endorse any particular entity or service. Personal health problems should be brought to the attention of the appropriate health professionals.