 Part of understanding women’s health exams is to know the 5 main cancers that associated with a woman’s reproductive system.
5 cancers that affect a woman’s reproductive organ includes: vulvar, vaginal, cervical, uterine and ovarian cancers.
Gynecologic (GY-neh-kuh-LAH-jik) cancer is a cancer that occurs in any part of a female’s reproductive organs. Wherever the cancer begins is how that cancer is named. These gynecologic cancers occur inside a woman’s pelvis. The pelvis is located below the stomach cavity and in between the hip bones.
Each gynecologic cancer has its own symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies. Gynecologic cancers threaten all women and the risk for this disease rises with age. This is why it is very important for all women to get regular exams.
A woman can never be sure if she will get gynecologic cancer. It is important for women to be aware of their bodies. Women need to understand what normal symptoms are versus symptoms of health warning. The only way to be certain of what’s going on with your body is to speak to your health care professional.
Briefly, here is a list of the location of every gynecologic cancer:
Vulvar cancer: starts in the vulva. The vulva is the outer part of a woman’s genital organs.
Vaginal cancer: initiates in the vagina. The vagina is a tube-like canal which is between the outside of the body and the lower part of the uterus.
Cervical cancer: initiates in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus.
Uterine cancer: starts in the uterus. The uterus is also known as the womb, and is located in the woman’s pelvis.
Ovarian cancer: starts in the ovaries. The ovaries are situated on the right and left side of the uterus.
Gynecologic Cancer: Prevention / Detection
The screening test for cervical cancer is a pap test. The Pap test detects precancerous cells along with cancerous ones.
The HPV tests for the Human papillomavirus. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to vulvar, cervical, and vaginal cancers.
Treatment
If a woman is diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, she should ask her doctor to refer her to a gynecologic oncologist who specializes in treating such diseases.
When curious or in doubt about your health, don’t be shy to ask your health care professional questions!
Author: Sana Ahmed
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