Understanding Gynecological Cancers
Learn the warning signs, risk factors and screening options for gynecological cancers so you can take steps to stay healthy.
Most gynecological cancers are found after menopause, but younger women can get them too. Knowing the signs and keeping up with regular checkups can help find cancer early, when treatment may work best.
Types of Gynecological Cancer
Gynecological cancers affect a woman's reproductive organs. About 100,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with one of these cancers each year.
Common types include:
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Vulvar cancer
These cancers are usually diagnosed and treated by doctors who specialize in women's health, called OB-GYNs.
While most cases happen after menopause, doctors are seeing more younger women diagnosed with uterine and cervical cancers.
How Gynecological Cancer Is Found
A Pap test (Pap smear) is the main screening test used to find cervical cancer early. During the test, cells are collected from the cervix and checked for changes that may lead to cancer. The test may also check for human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus linked to cervical cancer.
For other gynecological cancers, there are no routine screening tests. That's why it is important to pay attention to any changes in your body and tell your doctor about your symptoms.
Symptoms of Gynecological Cancer
Common symptoms may include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Bloating
- Feeling full quickly or having trouble eating
- Feeling very tired
- Pain in the belly, back or pelvis
- Needing to urinate more often or urgently
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Swelling in the legs
Remember, bleeding after menopause is never normal. If you have bleeding after menopause, contact a healthcare provider right away.
If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your OB-GYN or primary care provider. Be honest about what you are experiencing, even if the symptoms seem small.
A simple, yearly preventive care visit with an OB-GYN and/or PCP that you feel open and comfortable with can really make a difference in detecting these cancers early. MetroHealth realizes the importance of routine women’s health care, and we are a health care resource for all women in the Greater Cleveland community.
Why Regular Care Matters
Putting off medical care can give cancer more time to grow. Regular checkups can help find problems earlier, when treatment may be easier and more effective.
A yearly wellness visit with an OB-GYN or primary care provider is an important part of staying healthy. These visits give you a chance to talk about symptoms, ask questions and get preventive care.
MetroHealth Gynecologic Cancer
Make sure to visit your OB-GYN yearly for regular screenings. To schedule an appointment with a MetroHealth OB-GYN, call 216-778-4444 or log into MyChart.
To learn more about the MetroHealth Gynecological Cancer team,
visit metrohealth.org/cancer/gynecologic-cancer or call 216-778-7328.
Your Questions Answered
Q. What are the warning signs of gynecological cancer?
A. Common warning signs include unusual vaginal bleeding, bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly when eating, fatigue, changes in bathroom habits and leg swelling. If these symptoms are new, unusual or don't go away, talk to your doctor.
Q. Can younger women get gynecological cancer?
A. Yes. Although most gynecological cancers are diagnosed after menopause, younger women can develop cervical, uterine and other gynecological cancers. That's why it's important to pay attention to symptoms and keep up with regular checkups.
Q. How can gynecological cancer be detected early?
A. Regular wellness visits with your OB-GYN or primary care provider are important. A Pap test can help find cervical cancer early, and reporting symptoms promptly can help doctors identify other gynecological cancers as soon as possible.