Gynaecological cancers are cancers that affect the female reproductive system; they are one of the most common threats to women’s health.
Approximately 1,682 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in Malaysia, with 944 dying from the disease.
But even so, not many are aware of the causes, treatments and most importantly, the warning signs of these cancers.
By the time you go for a screening to get the symptoms checked out, it might already be too late.
That’s what make these types of cancers so lethal; they will usually go undetected until the later stages of the disease.
If you are a female over the age of 40, have multiple sexual partners, take birth controls and have been pregnant, your chances of developing a gynaecological cancer just went up.
Here are the five main ones you should worry about.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is cancer that begins in a woman’s cervix, a hollow organ that connects the lower part of a woman’s uterus to her vagina.
This type of cancer typically begins in the cells on the surface of the cervix.
What makes this type of cancer the deadliest is that many women don’t realise they have it until the late stages. This is when symptoms appear.
Even then, many women (and doctors) mistake those symptoms for other more common medical conditions like menstrual periods and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Typical symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- unusual bleeding (between periods, after sex, after menopause)
- abnormal vaginal discharge
- pelvic pain
- frequent urination
- painful urination
The risk of getting cervical cancer is higher in those who fulfil the following criteria: HIV, chlamydia, smoking, obesity, family history, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, birth control pills, having three full-term pregnancies, being younger than 17 when you got pregnant for the first time.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer starts in a woman’s ovaries, the small, almond-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus where ovum or eggs are produced.
The cancerous cells can grow in many different parts of the ovary like the germ (ovum cells), stromal (inner ovary) or epithelial (outer ovary) cells.
Just like cervical cancer, early-stage ovarian cancer can be entirely asymptomatic. This makes it very difficult to detect.
The typical symptoms include:
- frequent bloating
- quickly feeling full when eating
- difficulty eating
- a frequent, urgent need to urinate
- abdominal/pelvic pain/discomfort
Other symptoms include lower back pain, pain during intercourse, constipation/indigestion, fatigue, a change in the menstrual cycle, weight gain/loss, vaginal bleeding and acne.
Risk factors include age (over 40), body size (BMI 30+), genetics/family history, medication (birth control).
Uterine Cancer
Also called endometrial cancer, uterine cancer starts in the inner lining of the uterus (a.k.a. endometrium).
Like most cancers, no one knows the exact cause of endometrial cancer.
But experts speculate that the sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone play a part.
When the levels of these hormones fluctuate, the endometrium experiences changes.
Increased levels of oestrogen, for instance, causes endometrial cells to divide and multiply.
The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is possibly abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Other symptoms include
- irregular menstrual periods
- vaginal bleeding
- vaginal bleeding after menopause
- watery or blood-tinged vaginal discharge
- pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- pain during sex
- unintentional weight loss
The risk factors include certain medical conditions (diabetes), family history of cancer, and obesity.
But the most common risk is when a woman experiences drastic and frequent in her hormone levels, particularly progesterone.
Women who get pregnant often, women with fertility issues who manage to conceive, and women with polycystic ovarian syndrome or (PCOS) all tend to experience high levels of progesterone in their lives.
Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that starts in a woman’s vagina.
The symptoms are typically the same as the previous types of cancer which is bleeding during/after sex, bleeding after menopause and bleeding in between menstrual cycles.
Other symptoms of vaginal cancer include:
- bloodstained/smelly/watery discharge
- painful or frequent urination
- pelvic pain during sex
- a lump or mass in the vagina
- vaginal itching
- constipation
- blood in stool or urine
- back pain
- swollen legs
Possibly the main culprit of vaginal cancer is human papilloma virus or HPV, normally transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse.
But other risk factors exist typically age (above 40), lifestyle (smoking), previous cancers, immunity disorders (like those caused by HIV or lupus) and hysterectomies.
Vulvar Cancer
Vulvar cancer is a cancer that appears on a woman’s external genitals when abnormal cells reproduce uncontrollably.
The vulva includes the inner and outer lips of the vagina, the clitoris, and the opening of the vagina.
Vulvar cancer typically affects the outer lips of the vagina, but may spread to other parts as the cancer grows.
Early-stage vulvar cancer may not show any symptoms, but when they do show, the common ones include
- abnormal bleeding
- itching in the vulvar area
- skin discolouration
- pain with urination
- pain and tenderness in the vulvar area
- a lump or wart-like sores on the vulva
Although the exact cause of vulvar cancer isn’t known, there are certain risk factors associated with the condition.
Risk factors include being 55 or older, smoking, HIV or AIDS, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, history of genital warts, and skin conditions that can affect the vulva like lichen planus.
Vulvar cancer also often begins as non-cancerous vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, a condition which causes cells to undergo abnormal changes.
Without treatment, the abnormal cells can turn into cancer.
A Diagnosis Is Not a Death Sentence
As with all types of cancers, a diagnosis not a death sentence.
With early intervention and effective treatment, many women can survive cancer and go on to lead normal, healthy lives.
But experts have been in agreement for years, the only way to protect yourself from gynaecological cancers is to go for regular PAP smears, minimum once every three years.
They are uncomfortable, but they may just save your life.
Moreover, if you know someone who may be experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, urge them to get tested.
The first step to successful recovery is early detection.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!