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Gynecological cancers, including cancers of the ovary, cervix, uterus, vagina, and vulva, affect hundreds of thousands of women worldwide each year. Raising awareness about the warning signs, risk reduction strategies, and preventive measures is critical to improving early detection and survival rates.
1. Warning Signs of Cancer in Women
Early detection is vital for improving outcomes in gynaecological cancers. However, symptoms can be subtle and are often mistaken for less serious conditions. It’s crucial to know the warning signs of cancer to seek prompt medical evaluation if something feels unusual.
Unusual Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge: Bleeding between periods, after menopause, or after sex, as well as abnormal vaginal discharge, could indicate cancers such as cervical or uterine cancer. This is often one of the earliest signs of endometrial or cervical cancer.
Pelvic or Abdominal Pain: Persistent pain or pressure in the pelvis or lower abdomen that is not related to menstruation may signal ovarian cancer, especially if it is coupled with bloating or feeling full quickly.
Bloating or Feeling Full: Ovarian cancer often causes bloating, abdominal swelling, or a feeling of fullness even after a small meal. These symptoms can be persistent and worsen over time.
Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits: Sudden constipation, diarrhoea, or frequent urination that doesn’t resolve could be a symptom of ovarian cancer or uterine cancer as the tumour grows and puts pressure on nearby organs.
Pain During Intercourse: Pain or discomfort during sex may indicate gynaecological cancers such as cervical or vaginal cancer.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant, unexplained weight loss can be a sign of cancer, including gynaecological cancers.
Itching, Pain, or Changes in the Vulva: Vulvar cancer may cause persistent itching, pain, sores, or changes in skin colour in the vulva. Any new growth or lump in the area should be checked by a doctor.
These symptoms may not always mean cancer but should be taken seriously, especially if they persist for more than two weeks. Early diagnosis greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.
2. What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk of Cancer?
Although some cancers may develop due to factors beyond our control, like genetics, there are steps women can take to reduce their risk-
Get Vaccinated Against HPV: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical cancer. Vaccination against HPV is highly effective in preventing the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer. The vaccine is recommended for girls and young women, ideally before they become sexually active, though it can be beneficial later in life as well.
Regular Screenings (Pap Smear and HPV Testing): Regular Pap smears can detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous. Combined with HPV testing, it significantly lowers the risk of developing cervical cancer. Pap Smear starts at 21 years of age and combined HPV testing at 30 years.
Practice Safe Sex: Since HPV is transmitted sexually, practising safe sex by using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners can reduce the risk of HPV infection and subsequently cervical cancer.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus lining) because excess fat can lead to higher levels of estrogen, which can stimulate the growth of cancer cells. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help manage weight and reduce this risk.
Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of many cancers, including cervical and vulvar cancer. Quitting smoking lowers this risk and has numerous other health benefits.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to various cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer. Limiting alcohol is known to reduce cancer risk.
Know Your Family History: Women with a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer may be at increased risk of developing these cancers. Discussing your family history with your doctor can help in deciding whether genetic counselling or testing (for BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations) is necessary.
Hormonal Therapy: Long-term use of estrogen without progesterone in women who have had a hysterectomy can increase the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers. Discussing the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with your doctor is important.
Healthy Diet and Regular Exercise: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, combined with regular physical activity, can help maintain a healthy weight and lower the risk of various cancers. High-fibre foods and limiting red and processed meats are particularly helpful in reducing the risk of colorectal and other cancers.
Avoid Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, like those found in some cosmetics, hair dyes, and cleaning products, may increase cancer risk. Choose products with safer, less toxic ingredients and avoid known carcinogens.
Manage Stress and Get Enough Sleep: Chronic stress and lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation in the body, potentially raising the risk of cancer. Mindfulness practices, meditation, adequate rest, and maintaining mental health are essential components of cancer prevention.
Breastfeeding: For women who can, breastfeeding reduces the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers. The longer a woman breastfeeds the greater the protective effect.
Gynecological Cancers Awareness Month is an important time to remind women to pay attention to their bodies and take action to reduce their cancer risks. By embracing these steps, women can empower themselves to lead healthier lives. Women’s health is a lifelong commitment, and education is key to reducing the burden of cancer.
