Know the symptoms of gynecologic cancers

This paid piece is sponsored by Avera Health.

Gynecologic cancers are less common forms of cancer but still represent serious threats to a woman’s health as they can go unnoticed.

For example, Pap tests can find cancer in the cervix, but the reproductive system includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and other organs. Successful screening tests for many of these do not exist.

That’s why it’s important for all women to have yearly checkups and report troublesome symptoms, even if they seem vague.

“These cancers impact the lives of almost 100,000 people each year, but we don’t have the equivalent to screening mammograms and colonoscopies to catch most gynecologic cancers early,” said gynecologic oncologist Dr. David Starks, Avera Medical Group Gynecologic Oncology Sioux Falls.

Understanding the primary types of gynecologic cancers, as well as the signs that might lead you to a doctor, is a critical way to catch – and treat – cancer earlier. Timing can improve the possible outcomes.

Types of reproductive cancer

Starks said there are three main types of gynecologic cancers:

• Cervical cancers affect the cervix and nearby tissue. The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the main cause of this cancer.
• Endometrial cancers affect the uterus, also called the womb. Sedentary lifestyles and obesity can increase risk, and many of these cancers are notable in people who begin menstruation early or have later menopause.
• Ovarian cancers affect the ovaries and fallopian tubes. While most of these cancers have no known cause, about 10 percent to 15 percent of them can be related to genetics and passed through families, such as people who have BRCA 1 and 2 genetic mutations. Ovarian cancers are most common in older women, after menopause. People carrying the BRCA mutation develop these cancers at earlier ages, with risk starting at 40.

Starks and his clinical team also treat vaginal and vulvar cancers, which are rare gynecologic cancers, as well as molar pregnancies, or gestational trophoblastic disease.

Common symptoms of gynecologic cancers

Gynecologic cancer can appear as vague signs or symptoms, making diagnosis tough. Signs include:

• Unusual bleeding, especially in post-menopausal patients.
• Discomfort in the pelvic area, including long-lasting abdominal pain or cramps.
• Recurring or worsening constipation.

“Unfortunately, these signs are easy to ignore,” Starks said. “That can make them harder to find before they have time to spread.”

Symptoms may be mistaken for a urinary tract infection or other less-concerning issue before a diagnosis is made.

If you feel unsure, pursue the matter with your primary doctor or see a gynecologist if the symptoms don’t improve. “It’s better to have a false alarm than to ignore signs,” Starks said.

How to reduce the risk of gynecologic cancers

These steps help reduce the risk of cancer affecting the reproductive system:

• Get the HPV vaccine between age 11 and 26.
• Get regular Pap tests as recommended, based on your age.
• Avoid high-risk sexual behavior.
• Avoid tobacco use.
• Follow a healthy lifestyle that includes diet, exercise and regular exams.

While there are few successful screening tools for gynecologic cancers, one success has been in cervical cancer. During the past 50 years, Pap tests used regularly have led to a 75 percent reduction in cervical cancer deaths in the United States. Precancerous lesions that would form cervical cancer are found and treated, stopping the threat.

In addition, Starks said vaccination provides protection.

“HPV vaccine is an evidence-based tool that has been shown to prevent chronic HPV infection of the cervix, thus stopping the formation of precancerous lesions,” he said. “However, it requires about 70 percent of the population to receive the vaccine.”

Remember, get the screenings you can, and report symptoms early.

“The sooner we can detect it, the sooner we can start treatment and management, and hopefully the better the outcome,” Starks said.

Get more wellness tips at Avera.org/Balance.