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Gynecological cancers are cancers of the female reproductive tract, commonly seen are cancers of the ovary (ovaries are organs of the reproductive system that produce ovum (eggs) and female hormones).
Apart from the less common fallopian tube (which connects the uterus to the ovary) and vaginal cancers, uterus (womb) and cervix (the part that connects the vagina and the uterus) cancers are the most common. Collectively they amount to about 10% or more among cancers and pose a substantial global concern.
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There are certain screening tests available which the clinicians and guidelines recommend but not all are shown to be very effective at prevention and hence it is critical that women are aware of the early signs and symptoms related to this subgroup of cancers.
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What are the signs and symptoms that are commonly noticed?
The symptoms vary from person to person. People know their body best, so it is pertinent that whenever you notice any change in the way your body behaves or looks, it is best to seek medical advice. For example, a person might feel bloated after a meal, distension of the abdomen, vague dull aching pain abdomen, loss of appetite, early satiety, abnormal cervical discharge, unusual vaginal bleeding, post coital bleeding, unexplained pain in the genital region, change in bowel and bladder habits. These are symptoms and signs to name a few that are commonly noticed by people.
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There is no reason for a person to panic as the symptoms in a large number of cases are totally unrelated to a cancer and might be due to very common treatable causes, nonetheless early medical advice is important.
Are gynecological malignancies preventable?
Sadly, not all of the gynecological malignancies have methods to prevent them from occurring entirely, but the good part is that cervical cancer is one among the malignancies that can be largely preventable in most cases as it is caused by the Human papilloma virus (HPV). Vaccination against HPV not only prevents the infection but also indirectly reduces your risk of cervical cancer to a large extent.
The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered during early adolescence, when a person is not exposed to HPV yet. Vaccinations are advised to both boys and girls as early as 8 years of age. The vaccine is recommended in two doses, given six months apart and is proven to provide utmost benefit.
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Other gynecological malignancies apart from cervical cancer do not have substantiate methods at prevention, however they are largely curable when picked up early and hence screening methods and awareness among women is paramount.
PAP smear is a screening method to detect early cervical cancers in women and is advised for women 21 years and above, however, in certain parts with limited resources, it is advised to start by the age of 30 and repeat the test every 3 years until 65 years of age. Other cancers do not have population-based screening methods that are validated and most cases are screened based on the symptoms or signs the person presents with.
Risk factors in general which are not directly implicated as a cause but present a considerable risk of gynecological cancers are:
Dietary habits – Diet high in fats, carbohydrates(sugars), red meat, foods with added preservatives, processed foods.
Lifestyle methods – sedentary lifestyle leading to obesity, smoking, reduced sleep hours, excessive stress, multiple partners, hormone replacement therapy after menopause, smoking.
Modifications to adapt a lifestyle which does not manifest as a threat to our own health is the only method of preventing most diseases of the modern era including cancers.
The lack of robust population-based cancer screening methods, barriers to accessing medical services, therapeutic challenges, and cost implications when cancer is detected at later stages necessitate that raising awareness among women is a screening method in and of itself that has been shown to help detect problems early and at a stage where we can confidently say the word ‘cure’.
About the author: Dr Vinayak Munirathnam, Senior Consultant-Medical Oncology, Fortis hospitals, Bannergatta Road, Bangalore. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.