Fair Ridge OB/GYN Associates

 
 Who Is At Risk 
 
 
Who Is At Risk For Gynecologic Cancers?
While all women are at risk for gynecologic cancer, some factors can increase your risk. By understanding the risk factors for each of these types of cancers, you take an important step toward maintaining your gynecologic health.

You can reduce your risk of getting gynecologic cancer by adopting a healthy lifestyle, paying attention to how your body looks and feels, and having regular exams and recommended screening tests.

Cervical Cancer
Cancer of the cervix is found most often in women older than 40, but it can occur at any age. Specific risk factors for cervical cancer include:

• Smoking

• A current or past HPV infection

• Early age of first intercourse

• A compromised immune system, as with HIV

• A current or past sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Endometrial and Uterine Cancer
Endometrial and uterine cancer is rare in women younger than 40 years old. It most often occurs in women between the ages of 60 and 75 years. You are at increased risk for these types of cancers if you:

• Are obese

• Do not ovulate regularly and often miss periods

• Have never given birth

An annual gynecologic exam, including a PAP test, reduces your risk of cervical cancer because it often results in detection of precancerous cells.

• Have late menopause

• Have polycystic ovary syndrome

• Have endometrial hyperplasia

• Have had cancer of the ovary, breast, or colon

• Have taken tamoxifen to treat breast cancer

• Have a close family member who has or has had endometrial cancer

• Have high blood pressure

• Have diabetes

• Have taken estrogen without progesterone

The key to finding endometrial cancer early is being alert to symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, spotting, and new discharge from your vagina.

Fallopian Tube Cancer
Primary fallopian tube cancer is the most rare of all gynecologic cancers. This type of cancer occurs most often in women between 60 and 64 years of age; however, it can continue to occur in women up to their mid-80s. Risk factors for this type of cancer are not very well understood. Though fallopian tube cancer occurs more often among Caucasian women than among Black women.

The most common symptoms of fallopian tube cancer are unexplained vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain.

Ovarian Cancer
One of the most important risk factors for ovarian cancer is family history. Be sure and let your doctor know if you have a mother, sister, or maternal aunt who has been diagnosed with this type of cancer.

Women of any age can have cancer of the ovary, but the risk increases with age. Women who have had several children are less likely to get ovarian cancer, as are women who have used or are now using oral contraceptives.

Specific risk factors include:

• Few or no children

• Children born later in life

• Use of fertility drugs for a long time

• Other family members with ovarian cancer

Vaginal and Vulvar Cancer
Women of any age can have cancer of the vulva or vagina; however, invasive cancers of this area most often occur in women older than 60 years of age. Some types of vulvar and vaginal cancer are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

One of the best ways to find vulvar and vaginal cancer early is by doing periodic self-exams of these areas. Report any changes in skin tone or color to your doctor.

Risk factors for vulvar cancer include:

• Smoking

• Diabetes

• Advanced age

• Chronic irritation of the vulva

• Taking steroids or other drugs that weaken your immune system

You may be at risk for vaginal cancer if you were born between 1938 and 1971 and your mother took DES when she was pregnant with you. DES was prescribed during this time to help prevent miscarriages.
 

 Prevention and Early Diagnosis 
 
 


Prevention and Early Diagnosis
Gynecologic cancers are the fourth most common type of cancer in women. They affect a woman’s reproductive organs: the ovaries, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, and vulva. These types of cancer affect approximately 1 in 20 women.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent gynecologic cancers, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. In addition to eating a healthy diet and following an exercise program, experts agree that there are four steps you can take to protect your gynecologic health. .

Know Your Family History
If someone in your family, especially your mother, sister, or maternal aunt, has been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer, you are at greater risk for developing the disease. This is especially true with ovarian cancer. By being aware of your family medical history and sharing this information with your doctor, you and your doctor can determine if there are specific screening tests that you should undergo. .

Educate Yourself
Screening tests are the most effective way to detect gynecologic cancers in their early stages, when they are easier to treat.

Don’t be afraid to talk with your doctor about gynecologic cancer and about any symptoms or questions you may have. Before your next gynecologic exam, write down your questions and concerns. Share them with your doctor. It is also important to know the warning signs of gynecologic cancers and to be knowledgeable about how to detect and prevent these types of cancers. .

Have An Annual Exam
Annual gynecologic exams are the best way to detect any unusual changes in your reproductive organs or any signs of cancer. Annual PAP tests are an important way to detect cervical cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable. Depending on your age, you may also be given an HPV test for the human papillomavirus, which may be linked to cancer of the cervix. .

Determine Your Risk
Be sure you understand your risk for each type of gynecologic cancer. Talk with your doctor about specific risk factors, screening tests, and preventative measures. .

To reduce your risk of cancer:

• Do not smoke.

• Limit your intake of fat, especially saturated fat and trans fat.

A healthy lifestyle, screening tests, and regular check-ups can help lower your risk of cancer.

• Eat foods high in fiber.

• Get regular medical exams and recommended tests.

• Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes.

• Limit your time in the sun and use sun block.

• Pay attention to any changes in your body.

• Limit your number of sexual partners.

• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

• Talk openly with your doctor about your health.

Common warning signs of gynecologic cancers:

• Unusual bleeding or discharge from the vagina

• A sore in the genital area that doesn’t heal

• Pain or pressure in the pelvic area

Early detection is one of the best weapons against all types of gynecologic cancers.

• Change in bowel or bladder habits that persists

• Frequent or constant indigestion or bloating of the abdomen

• A thickening or lump in the pelvic area that either causes pain or can be seen or felt.

 

 Gynecologic Cancers: Endometrial and Uterine Cancer 
 
 
Cancer of the uterus affects the muscle and the lining, or endometrium, of the uterus. Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States -- about 2 or 3 women out of every 100 women develop this type of cancer.

If cancer of the uterus is found early, almost 90% of the cases can be cured. That's why it is important to know the risk factors and symptoms of uterine cancer.

Risk Factors
Endometrial cancer is rare in women younger than 40 years old. It most often occurs in women between the ages of 60 and 75 years.

Women are at an increased risk for uterine cancer if they:
Are obese
Do not ovulate regularly and often miss periods
Have never given birth
Have late menopause
Have polycystic ovary syndrome
Have endometrial hyperplasia
Have had cancer of the ovary, breast, or colon
Have taken tamoxifen to treat breast cancer
Have a close family member who has or has had endometrial cancer
Have diabetes
Have taken estrogen without progesterone.

Symptoms
The key to finding endometrial cancer early is being alert to its symptoms. Abnormal bleeding, spotting, and new discharge from your vagina are all symptoms of endometrial cancer. These symptoms may be consistent or come and go. In any case, you should talk with your doctor if any of these symptoms occur.
 

 Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer 
 
 
Cancer of the cervix occurs when the cells that line your cervix change. Malignant (cancer) cells in your cervix can invade and destroy healthy cervical tissues. They can also spread into the tissue next to the cervix or travel to other parts of your body.

Another type of change that may occur in your cervix is called dysplasia. These cells are known as precancerous cells because they have been shown to turn into cancer over time. In most women, the change in cervical cells from normal to dysplastic to cancer takes place over several years. If detected early, cure rates for cancer of the cervix can be as high as 90%.

In many cases, a PAP test can detect precancerous changes in your cervix so they can be treated before cancer develops.

A very common infection of the cervix called the human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to almost all dysplastic changes and cervical cancers. PAP tests, and for some women an HPV test, can help detect this virus and the cell changes it causes. There is also an HPV vaccine available that protects you against the two types of HPV that cause the most cases of cervical cancer.

Risk Factors
Cancer of the cervix is found most often in women older than 40, but it can occur at any age. This type of cancer rarely occurs in women younger than 21. Your risk for cervical cancer depends on your sexual history, your immune system, your overall health, and your lifestyle. This is because cancer of the cervix is linked with HPV, which is often caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Cervical Cancer Risk Factors
You have or have had an HPV infection
You have a compromised immune system
You have or have had a sexually transmitted disease (STD)

Symptoms
Dysplasia and cancer of the cervix often have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, the first signs may be bleeding, spotting, or watery discharge from the vagina. Bleeding may be heavier during your period or may occur after sex. See your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.


 

 Gynecologic Cancers: Ovarian Cancer 
 
 
Cancer of the ovary is a disease that affects one or both ovaries. Epithelial cancers are the most common type of ovarian cancer; almost 90% of all ovarian cancers are this type. Most women who get this type of cancer are over 40 years old. Germ cell tumors and sex cord-stromal tumors account for the remaining ovarian cancers. These two types of cancer generally occur in women under age 40.

Patients whose cancer has not spread outside the ovary have an 85-95% chance of living 5 years or longer after treatment.

Risk Factors
Women of any age can have cancer of the ovary, but the risk increases with age. Ovarian cancer occurs most often in women between 50 and 75 years of age. It is less common in women under 40, and more common in Caucasian women.

Women who have had several children are less likely to get ovarian cancer, as are women who have used or are now using oral contraceptives.

Risk factors include
Few or no children
Children born later in life
Use of fertility drugs for a long time
Other family members with ovarian cancer

Symptoms
Cancer of the ovary often does not cause any symptoms in its early stages. Even at later stages, there are few symptoms of the disease.

Warning signs include
A sense of discomfort in the pelvic region
Indigestion, gas, or bloating that can't be explained
Abnormal bleeding
Pain and swelling of the abdomen
Unexplained weight gain

The key to fighting ovarian cancer is finding it early. Be alert to changes in your body and discuss them with your doctor. These changes could be as simple as an unexplained increase in your waistline or indigestion that seems to have no cause and does not respond to medicine.
 

 Gynecologic Cancers: Fallopian Tube Cancer 
 
 
Fallopian tube cancer is an abnormal growth of malignant cells in one or both of your fallopian tubes. Primary fallopian tube cancer is the rarest of all gynecologic cancers.

Risk Factors
The peak incidence of fallopian tube cancer is in women between 60 and 64 years of age; however, it can continue to occur in women up to their mid-80s. Risk factors for this type of cancer are not very well understood. Though there is a higher incidence of fallopian tube cancer among Caucasian women than among Black women.

Symptoms
The most common symptoms of fallopian tube cancer are unexplained vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain. As a general rule, any vaginal bleeding in post-menopausal women should be quickly and carefully evaluated.

Any time bleeding occurs in post-menopausal women, it is a cause for concern and should be checked by a doctor.
 

 Gynecologic Cancers: Vaginal and Vulvar Cancer 
 
 
Cancer of the vulva or vagina is rare, but it does occur. Most cancers of the vulva and vagina are a type of skin cancer. In their earliest form, they are precancerous. In later stages, changes in the cells of the vulva and vagina can become cancerous and spread to other parts of the body. If these cancers are found and treated early, the cure rate is better than 90%.

One of the best ways to find vulvar and vaginal cancer early is by doing periodic self-exams of these areas. Look for any signs of redness, swelling, blisters, bumps, or other changes in the skin tone or color. Report these changes to your doctor.

Precancer and cancer of the vulva and vagina give early warning signs in most cases. Report any change on the vulvar skin or in your vaginal discharge to your doctor.

Risk Factors
Women of any age can have cancer of the vulva or vagina; however, invasive cancers of this area most often occur in women older than 60 years of age. Some types of vulvar and vaginal cancer are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

You may be at risk for vaginal cancer if you were born between 1938 and 1971 and your mother took DES when she was pregnant with you. DES was prescribed during this time to help prevent miscarriages.

Vulvar cancers most often occur in women older than 60.

Risk factors for this type of cancer include
Smoking
Diabetes
Taking steroids or other drugs that weaken your immune system

Symptoms
Unlike many gynecologic cancers, cancers of the vulva and vagina may have early warning signs. If you are alert to these changes, you may find cancer at a stage at which it is easy to treat.
The most common symptom of cancer of the vulva is itching in this area.

Other symptoms of vulvar cancer include
Burning, pain, or discomfort in the vulvar area
A sore on the vulva
Changes in skin color in the area around the vulva

The most common symptom of cancer of the vagina is bleeding after sexual intercourse. There may also be a lump in the vagina, a watery discharge, or pain during sex. Any of the symptoms of vulvar and vaginal cancer should be checked by your doctor.