Gynecological Cancers: Are we at risk?

Gynecological Cancers: Are we at risk?

Cancer is a significant public health concern in India with over 8,00,000 new cases of cancer every year in India. According to data from population based registries, 50 – 60% of all cancers in women occur in 4 organs: cervix, breast, ovaries and uterus. Also more than 80% of cancers in females occur in the age group of 35 – 65 years, thereby affecting women in the most productive age group.

Additionally, more than 70% of women present to doctors late when the cancer is already in advanced stage, resulting in low cure and high death rates.

The current cancer scenario for women in India definitely calls for awareness on prevention of cancer, early detection, diagnosis and treatment options.

Cervical Cancer:

It is the second most common cancer in women in India and the leading cause of death from cancer. Early stage cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms and symptoms occur only when cancer growth has become very large or has involved surrounding tissues. This highlights the importance of preventive strategies like HPV vaccination for adolescent girls and screening with PAP smear test for all women between 35 – 65 years.

Common symptoms are abnormal vaginal bleeding, which may be post sex or between mentrual cycles or after menopause, foul smelling vaginal discharge and pain in pelvis.

Ovarian Cancer:

It is the most deadly of all gynecological cancers and is known as silent killer as most women with early stage ovarian cancer do not have any symptoms. Sometimes they may have very subtle symptoms like dull aching pain in lower abdomen, increased frequency of urination or slight change in bowel habit like constipation. Many women often neglect these symptoms as non significant and do not seek medical attention. Hence unfortunately most of the ovarian cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages.

If anyone has these symptoms for more than two weeks, and the symptoms are new or unusual, ask your doctor about Ovarian Cancer.

Uterine Cancer:

Its incidence in India is rising not just in old women, but specially in younger women. The main reasons are adoption of western lifestyle, along with increase in incidence of obesity, diabetes and hypertension, sedentary lifestyle with lack of exercise and delayed child bearing.

The most common symptoms are heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding or postmenopausal bleeding or spotting which should never be ignored.

Vulval Cancer:

The common symptoms are itching, bleeding or discharge from a growth or a lesion in the perineal area. Although vulvar cancer is more common in older women but its incidence is increasing in younger women also.

Adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, undergoing regular screening with PAP smear test for cervical cancer, knowing your risks, recognizing and reporting symptoms early to your doctor will help in prevention or early diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers.

Inputs by Dr. Richa Bansal, Consultant, Gynec-Oncosurgeon, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai