Gynecologic cancer can affect women at any age, but certain types become more common as you get older. Some gynecologic cancers can be detected through screening, but it’s important to remember that others don’t have a standard test. That’s why knowing your body and catching potential warning signs is essential.
Symptoms like unusual bleeding, ongoing pelvic discomfort, or changes in your bathroom habits don’t necessarily mean you have cancer, but they’re worth a conversation with your healthcare provider. Whatever the cause, your doctor can help determine the root cause and suggest a treatment plan that’s right for you.
What Is Gynecologic Cancer?
Gynecologic cancer is an umbrella term that includes cancers that start in a woman’s reproductive organs.
There are five main types:
- Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, the lower portion of the uterus.
- Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, which produce eggs and hormones.
- Uterine cancer (Endometrial cancer) begins in the uterus. Endometrial cancer, which starts in the uterine lining, is the most common type.
- Vaginal cancer develops in the vagina and is relatively rare.
- Vulvar cancer develops on the external female genitalia.
Each type of gynecologic cancer has different risk factors, symptoms, screening recommendations, and treatment options. They can also have overlapping symptoms or few-to-no symptoms at all. But paying attention to your body can help you notice things you might have otherwise brushed off.
What Are the Warning Signs of Gynecologic Cancer?
Gynecologic cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type of cancer. Some symptoms are subtle and can be easily mistaken for your period, digestion issues, menopause symptoms, or another common health concern.
Potential warning signs include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Bleeding after menopause
- Bleeding between periods
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Persistent abdominal or pelvic bloating
- Feeling full unusually quickly when eating
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Persistent itching, burning, pain, or tenderness of the vulva
- Changes in vulvar skin, including sores, lumps, or changes in color
- Pain during sex
Having one or more of these symptoms does not mean you have gynecologic cancer. Many noncancerous conditions can cause similar symptoms. The important thing is to pay attention to changes that are unusual for you, particularly if they persist or worsen.
Who Is at Risk for Gynecologic Cancer?
Anyone with female reproductive organs can develop a gynecologic cancer, but certain factors may increase your risk. These vary by cancer type and can include:
- Increasing age
- A personal or family history of certain cancers
- Inherited genetic changes, including BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations
- Lynch syndrome
- Persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Certain reproductive or hormonal factors
Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop cancer. Some people diagnosed with gynecologic cancer have few or no risk factors.
If ovarian, uterine, breast, colorectal, or other cancers run in your family, discussing your family history with your healthcare provider can help determine whether genetic counseling or additional monitoring may be appropriate.
Can Gynecologic Cancer Be Detected Early?
Routine cervical cancer screening with an HPV test and/or Pap test can identify cervical cell changes before they become cancerous. They can also help detect cervical cancer at an early stage. HPV vaccination has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cancers caused by the types of HPV targeted by the vaccine.
Currently, there are no routine screening tests for ovarian, uterine, vaginal, or vulvar cancers in average-risk women without symptoms. For these cancers, recognizing symptoms and discussing changes with your healthcare provider is the best way to get an early diagnosis.
How Is Gynecologic Cancer Diagnosed?
If you have troubling and disruptive symptoms, your healthcare provider will decide which tests are needed. Evaluation might include a pelvic examination, imaging tests, laboratory testing, or a biopsy. Some patients are referred to a gynecologic oncologist, a physician who diagnoses and treats cancers of the female reproductive system.
How Is Gynecologic Cancer Treated?
Gynecologic cancer treatment depends on the type, location, stage, and multiple other factors. Your options might include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of treatments.
Your doctor can help you understand which treatment plans are best for you based on your condition and long-term health goals.
When Should You Talk to Your Healthcare Provider?
Whether you realize it or not, you listen to your body every day. That means you’re the premier expert on how your body functions and feels. If something changes and persists, you don’t have to wait until your next scheduled visit to address it.
Specifically, vaginal bleeding after menopause should always be evaluated by your doctor. If you have persistent pelvic pain, bloating, abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, or significant changes in bowel or bladder habits, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can.
Most of these symptoms are caused by something other than cancer. Getting them checked out can ensure you get the right diagnosis and care.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Gynecologic Health?
September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month—a vital reminder that while not all gynecologic cancers can be prevented, you can still take meaningful steps to protect your health. That might include staying current with your cervical cancer screening, talking to your provider about HPV vaccination, knowing your family medical history, and paying attention to any recent changes in your body.
Most importantly, pay attention to persistent symptoms, even if they feel minor. If something feels abnormal for you, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as you can. Early evaluation can give you peace of mind and ensure you get the insights you need to take care of your gynecologic health.
Schedule your gynecologic health screening with NJ Cancer Care at NJ.