Empowering Women Through Knowledge: A Closer Look at Gynaecological Cancers
Dr. Vipin Goel
Knowledge is power, and when it comes to matters of your body, it is also a matter of safety and certainty. Gynaecological cancers affect a large number of women all over the world. Many symptoms associated with gynaecological cancers are often taken for normal conditions of the female body and left unattended until it is too late to cure. This causes a high mortality rate and significantly affects the quality of life in women. Knowing about the risk factors, symptoms, prevention, and screening tests for gynaecological cancers is crucial in managing female reproductive system-related complications. Read on to find out more.
What are Gynaecological Cancers?
Gynaecological cancers are those that develop in a woman’s reproductive organs, which include the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva. A rare sixth type of cancer is the cancer of the fallopian tube. Apart from women, some transgender men and non-binary people can also get gynaec cancers.
Gynaecological cancers are those that develop in a woman’s reproductive organs, which include the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva. A rare sixth type of cancer is the cancer of the fallopian tube. Apart from women, some transgender men and non-binary people can also get gynaec cancers.
Each cancer is unique in terms of its risk factors, symptoms, and screening tests. You must observe the changes in your body and respond promptly.
1. Cervical Cancer:
The cervix is the narrow lower end of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Cervical cancer is the most common kind of gynaec cancer, but its prevalence is decreasing due to advanced diagnostic techniques and preventive care.
Early stages of cervical cancer are mostly asymptomatic or with symptoms that are hard to notice. This makes cervical screening tests even more essential.
Most common symptoms include:
The cervix is the narrow lower end of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Cervical cancer is the most common kind of gynaec cancer, but its prevalence is decreasing due to advanced diagnostic techniques and preventive care.
Early stages of cervical cancer are mostly asymptomatic or with symptoms that are hard to notice. This makes cervical screening tests even more essential.
Most common symptoms include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding when you are not on your period, during or after sex, or after menopause.
Remember, not all non-menstrual bleeding is a sign of cervical cancer. However, it is essential to consult a doctor if these episodes recur and you are unsure of the cause.
- Painful sex or discomfort during sexual activity.
- Vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant.
- Pain in the pelvic region.
Factors that lead to cervical cancer are not yet exclusively identified. However, certain risk factors that increase the chances of its development are commonly understood:
- Age: In contrast to many others, cervical cancer is more commonly found in younger women, below the age of 40.
- HPV or HIV infection: Human Papilloma Virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, etc., that are transmitted mostly through sexual intercourse, lead to the development of gynaecological cancer, including cervical cancer.
- Contraceptive pills: Pills have been identified to increase the risk of cervical cancer if taken long-term. This effect is reversible.
- Smoking: Smoking also increases the risk of cervical cancer.
Diagnostic tests that screen for cervical cancer are now common and easily accessible. Some are:
- Cervical screening
- HPV-test (high-risk human papillomavirus test)
- Pap test / Pap smear test that examines cervical cells. To be done every 3 years.
2. Ovarian Cancer
Ovaries are located on either side of the uterus and release ova (eggs) and female sexual hormones. The cancer of the ovaries starts when abnormal cell divisions occur in the ovary, fallopian tube, or peritoneum.
Like in the case of cervical cancer, ovarian cancer can also be asymptomatic and hard to detect initially. When diagnosed in the advanced stages, it is difficult to cure or manage the disease.
Some symptoms include:
Like in the case of cervical cancer, ovarian cancer can also be asymptomatic and hard to detect initially. When diagnosed in the advanced stages, it is difficult to cure or manage the disease.
Some symptoms include:
- Pain in the abdomen, between the hip bones and lower back.
- Swollen tummy or constantly feeling bloated
- Bowel and urinary changes that include frequent need to urinate or defecate, or sometimes constipation.
- Loss of appetite and weight, which makes you feel sick and tired
These symptoms are very common, especially in the elderly population. This also makes diagnosis more difficult. But do not hesitate to get checked, even if the symptoms may seem trivial, to avoid unnecessary worry.
Some risk factors of ovarian cancer are:
- Age: The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age. Women above 45 years of age are particularly at risk.
- Family history: Women with primary relatives who had ovarian cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
- Obesity, diabetes, and conditions like endometriosis.
Screening tests:
- CA 125 blood test: Measures a protein found elevated in blood due to ovarian cancer.
- TVUS: Transvaginal ultrasound that is used to detect any masses formed near the ovaries.
3. Uterine Cancer
This is the cancer of the womb that usually starts in the endometrial lining and then spreads to the surrounding tissues.
Symptoms of uterine cancer include, but are not limited to:
This is the cancer of the womb that usually starts in the endometrial lining and then spreads to the surrounding tissues.
Symptoms of uterine cancer include, but are not limited to:
- Abnormal bleeding: May include heavy menstrual bleeding, persistent bleeding between periods, and bleeding post menopause.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge that is often pink in colour.
- Less commonly, blood is observed in urine (haematuria) along with anaemia or high platelet count.
- Bloating, change in bowel and bladder habits.
Certain risk factors that increase the chance of developing uterine cancer include:
- Age: Older women are at a higher risk, particularly after menopause.
- Obesity: Though it may not lead directly to cancer, obesity supports several bodily conditions that are favourable for the development of cancer, like the overproduction of oestrogen.
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) has also been associated with a risk for the development of uterine cancer due to an imbalance in female sexual hormones.
- An early start to menstruation and late menopause are also associated with a higher risk of uterine cancer.
- Gene alterations like Lynch syndrome.
Screening tests:
- Many tests, like pap tests, are unable to detect uterine cancer, especially in asymptomatic early stages.
- An endometrial biopsy mostly gives concrete results by examining the tissue of the uterine lining.
- Hysteroscopy is an examination performed with the help of a tube-like instrument that can also collect the inner tissues of the uterus.
4. Vaginal Cancer
The cancer of the vagina, the hollow, tube-like channel at the bottom of the cervix, is rare but fatal. Vagina is the part of the female reproductive system which is the closest to the vulva, the external part of the female genitalia.
Symptoms include:
The cancer of the vagina, the hollow, tube-like channel at the bottom of the cervix, is rare but fatal. Vagina is the part of the female reproductive system which is the closest to the vulva, the external part of the female genitalia.
Symptoms include:
- Bleeding or spotting after sex, between periods and after menopause
- Blood-stained and foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Painful sex
- A lump or growth in the vagina that can be felt by hand
- Other symptoms include disturbance in bowel movements, pelvic pain, and pain while urinating.
- Swelling or oedema in the legs
Risk factors of vaginal cancer:
- Increasing age
- HPV infection, particularly HPV 16 and 18, is the strongest known contributor.
- A history of cervical cancer
- Certain drugs, like diethylstilbestrol (DES), taken during pregnancy
Screening tests:
- There exists no standard test to screen for vaginal cancer.
- A Pap test may help in detecting cancerous or precancerous cells of the vagina, but not always.
- The HPV test can help screen for risk factors.
5. Vulvar/Vulval Cancer
The vulva is the outer part of the female genitalia. This is a rare cancer that can start in any part of the vulva, later spreading to other areas.
Symptoms of vulval cancer include:
The vulva is the outer part of the female genitalia. This is a rare cancer that can start in any part of the vulva, later spreading to other areas.
Symptoms of vulval cancer include:
- Persistent itching of the vulvar region
- Open sores and patches on the skin of the vulvar region
- Pain, soreness, and bleeding in the region
- A mole that changes shape and colour
- Pain and a burning sensation while urinating
- Swelling in the groin area.
Risk factors include:
- Age is an important factor. Most of the time, women aged 60 and above are diagnosed with vulvar cancer.
- HPV infection
- Other cancers, like the cancer of the cervix and vagina, can lead to vulvar cancer.
- Chronic infection or inflammation of the vulva caused by conditions like lichen sclerosus.
Screening tests:
- Vulvar cancer also does not have a standard test for detection.
- A physical examination of the pelvis helps identify symptoms.
- A biopsy is a test that can confirm the cancer once symptoms are identified.
How to Prevent Gynaecological Cancers:
Like many other cancers, gynaec cancers also do not have sure-shot preventive measures that give results.
Like many other cancers, gynaec cancers also do not have sure-shot preventive measures that give results.
- One efficient measure is to get vaccinated against HPV, which helps prevent HPV infection that can lead to cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. This vaccine is usually administered to children below the age of 13, well before they become sexually active, but can also be taken as late as the 40s.
- Close self-examination of the body and regular screening tests are the only way to stay ahead of the complications of gynaec cancers.
- Maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, with a focus on consuming a good diet, water and regular physical activities. This helps prevent many diseases, including cancer, by boosting the immune system.
Final Thoughts:
The fear of cancer is omnipresent in the adult population. But fear only takes you so far. Empower yourself by gathering knowledge and taking timely action. The oncology department of STAR Hospitals houses expert oncologists and modern facilities that provide advanced testing and treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. We also offer regular screening tests and counselling services to help you know and choose better. Book an appointment today. Defeat fear, smile brighter.
