Women's Cancer Screening
“All women are at risk of gynecological cancer”
Every six minute a woman is diagnosed with gynecological cancer. It is important to know your potential risk factors for gynecological cancer, as well as preventive measures you can take for you and your loved ones.
Do you know the 5 gynecological cancers?
RISK FACTORS | PREVENTION AND SCREENING TIPS | |
FAMILY HISTORY
Approximately 15% of breast and ovarian cancers are linked with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation, which are genetically inherited |
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GENETIC TESTING
If your mother, daughter, sister or other family relative had an ovarian cancer, talk to your doctor to have genetic test to assess your risk. Genetic testing should also be considered if you or a first or second degree relative had breast cancer before the of 45. |
OBESITY
Can increase estrogen production and chronic inflammation, leading to greater risk of gynecological cancer, particularly endometrial cancer. |
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HEALTHY DIET & EXERCISE
Maintain a healthy diet and life style to reduce obesity. Set realistic short term and long term weight loss goals. |
AGE
A woman’s risk of developing gynecologic cancer increases over the age of 60. |
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REGULAR DOCTOR’S VISIT
After menopause, continue to see your gynecologist for recommended checkups. ABNORMAL BLEEDING Vaginal bleeding after menopause is never normal. See your doctor promptly if this occurs. |
HPV
HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer and many cases of vaginal and vulval cancers. |
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PAP TEST
It can screen for cervical cancer and HPV, is extremely valuable method for cancer detection. Follow your doctor’s recommended screening guidelines. HPV VACCINE The HPV vaccine dramatically reduces the rate of HPV infection and cervical, vaginal, vulvar and precancers. It is recommended that all girls and boys are vaccinated.
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if you feel something, say something”
Many signs of gynecological cancers are often of other conditions. Don’t be alarmed if you have these signs, but speak to your doctor to diagnose what you may be experiencing.
Ovarian cancer
- Feeling swollen or bloated in the abdomen
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Spotting or bleeding between menstrual cycles
- Pain and/or mass in pelvic area
- Gas, indigestion and nausea
- Frequent urination
Endometrial cancer:
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Irregular bleeding between menstrual cycles
- Heavier and/or longer menstrual bleeding than normal
- Pain and/or mass in pelvic area
Vulvar cancer
- Constant itching and/or pain in external genitals
- Change in skin color of external genitals
- A painful ulcer or mass on external genitals
- Irregular bleeding between menstrual cycles
- Postmenopausal bleeding
Vaginal cancer
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Difficulty urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Pelvic pain and constipation
- A vaginal mass that you can feel
Cancer cervix
- Any vaginal bleeding that is not related to your menstrual period
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Pain during intercourse and/or spotting after intercourse
- significant watery or foul smelling discharge