Gynecological cancers affect millions of women each year in the United States. Similar to other cancers, early detection is the key to making a full recovery. The problem with gynecological cancers is that many have no symptoms, thus many women are unaware that the cancer has developed. This sort of cancer affects the reproductive systems, and are diagnosed by pelvic exams and pap smear. Women who ignore necessary annual exams are twice as likely to die from gynecological cancers. When treated early, gynecological cancers have a high cure rate. Unfortunately, many women underestimate the importance of routine check-ups, and receive a diagnosis after the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Gynecological cancers include:

• Cervical Cancer
• Uterine Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Vaginal Cancer
• Vulva Cancer

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix and develops when normal cells change to cancerous cells. This particular cancer mostly affects women between the ages of 35 and 55, but can also occur in younger women. Although cervical cancer has no symptoms, this cancer is highly treatable. Contrary to other forms of cancer, cervical cancer develops very slowly. Thus, women who receive annual pap smears are less likely to develop cervical cancer. During examinations, physicians are usually able to detect changes in cells prior to them becoming cancerous. These are called pre-cancerous cells. Pre-cancerous cells are removed from the body before cancer develops. Removing these cells reduces the odds of developing cervical cancer to 1%. Although most cases of cervical cancer have no symptoms, indicators of problems in the cervix include:

• Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
• Bleeding During/After Sexual Intercourse
• Pain During Sexual Intercourse
• Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Progressive cervical cancer symptoms may include:

• Anemia
• Chronic Pelvic Pain
• Urinary Problems
• Weight Loss

Cervical cancer should be diagnosed and treated early. When left untreated, the cancer may spread to other parts of the body.

Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer is cancer that develops in the womb/uterus. Similar to cervical cancer, the survival rate of uterine cancers are high because many women are receiving early diagnosis and seeking immediate medical care. Women who develop uterine cancer may have one or more risk factors such as:

• Family History of Uterine Cancer
• Childless
• Postmenopausal
• Obesity
• High Blood Pressure

Of course, cancer is a random disease, thus it is possible to develop uterine cancer without having any risk factors. This sort of cancer mainly affects women after menopause. The main symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Post-menopausal women who experience bleeding should immediately consult a physician. Those diagnosed with uterine cancer will either have endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma.

• Endometrial Cancer: 95% of all uterine cancers that begins in the tissue lining of the uterus

• Uterine Sarcoma: Affects a small percentage of women and begins in the uterus muscles.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is known as the "silent killer" amongst women because this cancer shows no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. Sadly, ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate causing approximately 12,000 deaths a year within the United States. The chances of developing ovarian cancer increase with age; nonetheless this silent killer may affect women of all ages. Although rare, ovarian cancer may also strike young girls who have not begun their menstrual cycle. With 20,000 new reported cases each year, it is estimated that 1 in 70 women will develop ovarian cancer. Risk factors for this cancer include:

• Breast Cancer Diagnosis
• Family History of Ovarian Cancer
• Early/Late Menopause

Ovarian cancer is rarely diagnosed early because the symptoms mimic other less severe abdominal problems. In fact, many women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer admit to ignoring symptoms because they assumed abdominal discomfort was due to irritable bowel syndrome. Pap smears are not very effective with detecting ovarian cancer, thus women who do not inform their physician of abdominal discomfort may not receive an early diagnosis. Ovarian cancer is usually detected with a pelvic exam, in which a mass on the ovaries may be detected. An abdominal ultrasound is also used for detecting ovarian cancer. Symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• Abdominal Cramping
• Pelvic Pain
• Bloating/Intestinal Gas
• Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
• Change in Bowel Habits
• Painful Intercourse

Women who experience any of these symptoms for an extended period should consult their physician or gynecologist.

Vaginal Cancer

Although vaginal cancer is rare, it affects approximately 2% of the female population. This cancer affects the lining of the vagina, and is caused by the human papilloma (HPV) virus. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that usually goes away without treatment. However, in rare cases, the virus may develop into cervical, vulva, or vaginal cancer. Many who develop vaginal cancer also suffer from genital warts. Symptoms of vaginal cancer include painful urination, vaginal bleeding, or painful intercourse.

Vulva Cancer

Vulva cancer is another rare cancer that mostly affects women over the age of 50. This cancer develops in the outer part of the vagina. When detected early, vulva cancer is curable. In fact, women should perform routine vulva exams. Similar to self-breast exams, women should examine their vulva for lumps or lesions. Women who detect abnormalities should consult a doctor immediately. Symptoms of vulva cancer include painful urination, or burning in the vulva. Vulva cancer has six stages and may be recurrent. Treatment is generally dependent on the stage of the cancer. However, the more advanced the cancer, the more difficult it is to cure.

Treatment Options

There are several treatment options available to women diagnosed with a gynecological cancer. Depending on the cancer stage, oncologist may recommend surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or combination therapy.

• Surgery: Surgery is effective with removing cancerous cells. If cancerous cells remain in the body they may possibly multiply or attack healthy cells. As the cancer multiplies, it begins to spread to other parts of the body. In severe cases, a hysterectomy may be necessary to prevent the spread of cancerous cells. Physicians prefer to employ other treatment options before performing surgery.
• Radiation: Treatment option using high energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs intended to kill cancerous cells and prevent their growth.