Gynecologic cancers are cancers of the female reproductive system. They include cancers of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva. While not nearly as common as breast cancer, they are far more deadly, largely due to lower awareness and the lack of early screening. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and risk factors is key to women’s health. With Richmond University Medical Center, learn more about this family of cancers.
Gynecologic Cancer Statistics
According to National Cancer Institute, gynecological cancers are diagnosed in over 100,000 women in the United States each year. Over 32,000 are expected to die from one. Of the five types, uterine cancer is the most common, affecting 65,000 people annually. Ovarian cancer is the second, affecting 20,000 people annually, followed by cervical cancer with 10,000-12,000 new patients annually. Vaginal and vulvar cancers are the least common, with only 10,000 new cases each year combined.
Detecting Gynecological Cancers
Unfortunately, detecting gynecological cancers can be challenging. They have no early cancer screening method and, like most cancers, do not always present clear symptoms until late stages. When symptoms emerge, low awareness means that they are often missed. Women can protect themselves against gynecologic cancers by learning the warning signs for each type:
Uterine Cancer
The most telling symptom of uterine cancer is unusual bleeding, such as bleeding between periods, unusually heavy periods, or bleeding after menopause. The bleeding may be accompanied by abdominal pain or a white or clear vaginal discharge.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer does not always show symptoms early, but it can be quick to metastasize or spread into nearby organs. Its symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain
- Unexpected weight changes
- Increased abdominal girth
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Feeling full despite not eating
- Changes in bowel habits
- Vaginal bleeding
- Urinary frequency or leaking
- Pain in the abdomen
- Shortness of breath
Cervical and Vaginal Cancer
Both cervical and vaginal cancers have similar symptoms, and they tend to spread more slowly than other gynecologic cancers. Their signs include:
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Foul odor from the vagina
- Blood in stool
- Pelvic or back pain
Vulvar Cancer
Vulvar cancer may cause a lesion in the groin or around the vagina. This legion is often painful or itchy.
Understanding the Risk Factors
The primary risk factors for gynecologic cancers are hereditary mutations. Ovarian cancer has been tied to a mutation of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which play an important role in suppressing cancer by repairing damaged DNA. Women with these mutations have a 40% to 60% chance of developing ovarian cancer in their lifetimes. Uterine cancer is also frequently hereditary.
As a result, genetic testing is a powerful tool for cancer detection. With a simple blood draw, physicians can identify a family history of cancer and determine whether a patient is at risk. This allows for early monitoring and improved outcomes for patients diagnosed with cancer.
In contrast, most cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers are not caused by a genetic mutation. Instead, their development is driven by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Certain strains of HPV are highly likely to cause cancer after treatment. The HPV vaccine prevents infections, reducing a person’s risk of cancer. Routine pap smears are also key to cancer prevention and detection.
Treatments for Gynecologic Cancers
The frontline treatment for gynecological cancer is typically surgery, with the goal of removing as much of the primary tumor as possible. Surgery may be followed by additional therapies, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, to eliminate any cancer cells that remain. The specifics of treatment depend on the type of cancer being addressed. The standard regimes include:
- Cervical cancer: Patients receive surgery followed by radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is also sometimes used for advanced cases.
- Ovarian cancer: Patients receive surgery and chemotherapy, most often followed by PARP therapy to prevent ovarian cancer from recurring.
- Uterine cancer: Most uterine cancers can be cured with surgery alone, though radiation or chemotherapy may also be used to ensure the best outcome.
- Vaginal and vulvar cancer: Patients receive surgery and radiation therapy, with a follow-up of chemotherapy if necessary for late-stage cancers.
Clinical trials may also be available for certain patients. These supervised research programs give patients access to new therapies that are still in development, while also helping to improve treatment options and outcomes for future cancer cases. Interested individuals can speak with a physician about whether they are eligible for any ongoing clinical trials.
Take Charge of Your Health
Fortunately for patients and oncologists alike, outcomes for gynecological cancers are better than ever. Enormous strides in cancer research have led to improvements in cancer treatments and their outcomes for patients. Cure rates for early uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancers are very high, and even cancers that have spread can still be fully cured in some cases.
While research plays a part, however, so does awareness. Patients are encouraged to pay attention to their bodies, trust their instincts when something is wrong, and be their own advocate when seeking a diagnosis and treatment. If a woman feels like something is off, she should speak with a specialist or a primary care physician and make sure that her symptoms are addressed. Gynecologic health is important, and not just for cancer.
Learn More About Gynecologic Cancer Treatment Near You in Staten Island
Patients interested in learning more can reach out to Richmond University Medical Center. Our Obstetrics and Gynecology department serves patients throughout Staten Island, New York, and can be reached at 718-818-3287. Contact us today with any questions you have about gynecologic cancer or to schedule an appointment with a physician and begin receiving care.
