Gynecologic Cancer Prevention, Screenings & Symptoms

Just like each woman is unique, each gynecologic cancer has its own unique signs and symptoms. Having regular women’s health check-ups is important as is paying attention to any changes in your body.

Getting the HPV vaccine, regular screenings and making sure your doctor is aware of any history of cancer in your family will help prevent and catch gynecologic cancer at its earliest stages when it’s easiest to treat.

Prevention:

It is important for all women to know and tell their doctors about their family history of cancer. If your family has a history of breast, ovarian, or other cancers, your doctor may recommend genetic testing. 

Talk with your doctor if you believe that you are at increased risk for gynecologic cancer and ask what you might do to lower your risk and whether there are certain tests that you should have.

HPV vaccine

Cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted infection. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

• HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens age 11 to 12, but can be given starting at age 9.
• HPV vaccination also is recommended for everyone through age 26, if they are not vaccinated already.
• Some adults aged 27 to 45 who are not already vaccinated may get the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.

HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections, but does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV. You should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if you received an HPV vaccine.

Screening:

Of all the gynecologic cancers, only cervical cancer has screening tests that can find this cancer early, when treatment works best.

The Pap test also helps prevent cervical cancer by finding precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.

A test called the HPV test looks for HPV infection that can be used for screening women who are 30 or older.

Talk to your doctor about when you should get screened and how often.

Symptoms

It is important to pay attention to your body and know what is normal for you, so you can recognize the warning signs or symptoms of gynecologic cancer. Signs and symptoms are not the same for everyone, and each gynecologic cancer has its own signs and symptoms.

Common symptoms of gynecologic cancers (cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar):

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge is common for all gynecologic cancers except vulvar cancer.
• Feeling full too quickly or difficulty eating, bloating, and abdominal or back pain are common for ovarian cancer.
• Pelvic pain or pressure is common for ovarian and uterine cancers.
• More frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation are common for ovarian cancer.
• Itching, burning, pain, or tenderness of the vulva, and changes in vulva color or skin, such as a rash, sores, or warts, are found only in vulvar cancer.

When to talk to your doctor

If you have vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, talk to a doctor right away. Any vaginal bleeding after menopause needs to be reported to your doctor.

If you have not yet gone through menopause but notice that your periods are heavier, last longer than normal for you, or if you’re having unusual bleeding between periods, talk to your doctor.

You should also see a doctor if you have any other warning signs that last for 2 weeks or longer and are not normal for you. Symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see a doctor.