Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually in the month of September. It is used as a time to educate on the warning signs, and helps women be aware of the symptoms and prevention strategies for gynecological cancers. These cancers include vulvar, vaginal, cervical, uterine/endometrial and ovarian cancers.
Cervical cancer. The cervix connects the vagina to the main body of the uterus. Symptoms of cervical cancer include an increase in vaginal discharge with a strong odor, vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause, bleeding during and/or after sex, and pelvic pain. It is usually associated with the Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. A pap smear along with HPV DNA testing are the screening methods used to detect precancerous lesions and early cervical cancer.
Uterine/endometrial cancer. The uterus also known as the womb is a muscular structure in the pelvis and is a part of the female reproductive system. It contains three layers: the endometrium (innermost layer), myometrium, and the perimetrium (outermost layer). Symptoms of uterine/endometrial cancer include blood in the urine, pelvic or lower back pain, and unusual vaginal bleeding, spotting and/or discharge.
Ovarian cancer. The ovaries are two glands located on either side of the uterus that store the eggs that a woman is born with, and secretes hormones. Symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal bloating or swelling, urinary urgency or frequency, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly when eating, constipation, and pelvic pain.
Vulval cancer. The vulva is a woman’s external genitalia and includes the labia majora, labia minora and clitoris. Some of the major symptoms of vulvar cancer are a persistent itching of the vulva, abnormal bleeding or discharge, skin color changes of the vulva with raised or thickened patches of skin that can be white, red or dark, and a lump or wart-like growth on the vulva.
Vaginal cancer. The vagina is the muscular canal that extends from the vulva to the cervix. Symptoms of vaginal cancer include abnormal bleeding particularly after sex or menopause, watery discharge, pain, constipation, frequent/painful urination, and a lump or mass in the vagina.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Prevention strategies for gynecological cancers include the HPV vaccines which can help to prevent vulvar, vaginal and cervical cancers. It is also recommended women maintain healthy lifestyles and diets which can help to reduce one’s risk of developing gynecological cancers. Additionally, women are encouraged to have their pap smears done regularly, as this can help to detect cervical cancer early.
Written by:
Ms. Odelia Thomas