“I’m
just not on a regular cycle yet” or “It
must be menopause.” I have met hundreds of women both young and old quoting
these lines at the hospital and society in general. Abnormal periods are common
among young and ageing women. While it can be an indicator of those “quoted” events,
it could also be a sign of gynecologic cancer. Gynaecological cancers are
caused by the growth and spread of cancer cells in the female reproductive
organs, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina and
vulva.
In India,
around 70% of women with gynaecological cancers get a diagnosis at an advanced
stage of the disease. While the statistics are alarming in itself, what makes
it more dangerous for women is mainly lack of awareness, for which they
may be diagnosed late, or their reluctance to visit a doctor. Another pressing issue among women in India is poor menstrual hygiene, thanks to the taboo
surrounding menstruation and thereby lack of accessibility to adequate
sanitation.
Each
gynecologic cancer is unique, with different signs and symptoms, different
risk factors (things that may increase your chance of getting a disease), and
different prevention strategies. All women are at risk for
gynecologic cancers, and the risk increases with age. When gynecologic cancers are
found early, treatment is most effective. Ovarian cancer has emerged
as one of the most common malignancies affecting women in India and has shown
an increase in the incidence rates over the years. Although cervical cancer is
on a declining trend, it remains the second most common cancer in women after
breast cancer. Unhygienic practises can lead to infections, Reproductive Tract
Infection and Urinary Tract Infection, thereby causing cervical cancer.
While each
gynecologic cancer has its own individual symptoms, a woman should have a
general awareness of her body and know what is ‘normal’ for her. Every
woman must stay alert to abnormal changes in her body and report these to a
doctor at the earliest.
|
10 signs of gynaecological
cancer you should not ignore
|
|
|
Pain or pressure in the pelvic area,
abdomen, or back
|
Unusual vaginal
discharge or bleeding
|
|
Frequent abdominal bloating or swelling
|
Frequent urination
|
|
Bleeding between periods, after sex, or
after menopause
|
A sore in the genital
area that does not heal
|
|
Skin changes on the vulva
|
Fatigue
|
|
Difficulty eating or feeling full too quick
|
Unexplained weight
loss
|
What else can you do?
Keep in mind,
each cancer also has its own unique risk factors, which could include genetic
predisposition, obesity and advanced age. With that, arm yourself with
information and take advantage of the resources available. Know if you have a
family history of gynecologic cancer or any cancer. Adopt a healthy lifestyle –
eat nutritious foods in moderation and engage in physical activity.
And while
there isn’t a screening test for all gynecologic cancers, consider the ones
that do exist. Talk to your doctor about whether you are of an appropriate
age for a Pap smear. This test can detect precancerous changes that occur
in cells and can eventually become cervical cancer. While current
guidelines recommend a woman receive the test every three years beginning at
age 21, it should ideally be discussed doctor, as other factors may influence
the frequency of the exam. Get young daughters between the ages 9-26 vaccinated
for HPV infection, which could cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers.
While concerns regarding your gynecologic health
maybe a bit embarrassing to discuss with your doctor, be proactive and ask
questions – it just may save your life.
Comments
Post a Comment