When it comes to "female issues," women need to be aware of signals their body may be sending. A condition as serious as a cancer of a woman's reproductive system cannot be ignored or treated by silence. That's why it's important for all women to know about gynecologic cancers and how to protect their health. Knowledge of symptoms and early detection of cancer can lead to successful treatment and longer, healthier lives.

Words to the Wise
"Scheduling regular visits with your healthcare provider for gynecological exams is the first step to prevention," states Dr. David Bhaskar, OB/GYN with Beloit Clinic and Beloit Memorial Hospital. "Women need to know the risks and symptoms of cancers of the reproductive system."

Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
"Cancer of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs," explains Dr. Bhaskar. An estimated 40,880 women will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer this year, and about 7,310 women will die from it. Symptoms may include unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, pelvic pain or weight loss. There is no standard screening test to detect endometrial cancer at an early stage, so it is important to see a physician for pelvic exams and be honest about any changes.

"The good news is endometrial cancer has a high cure rate," adds Dr. Bhaskar. "When detected before spreading to other organs, 96% of women survive endometrial cancer."

Ovarian Cancer
This year, more than 22,220 American women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and about 16,210 will die from it. Because there is no widely available screening test for ovarian cancer and the disease can progress silently with no symptoms, this cancer often goes undetected until its later stages.

"Ovarian cancer is more common in women who have gone through menopause, but it's important for all women to be aware of any subtle changes in their health,” Dr. Bhaskar states. Possible symptoms – which are more often symptoms of less serious conditions – include abdominal swelling, gas, long-term stomach pain, unusual vaginal bleeding and back or leg pain. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. When ovarian cancer is caught early, 90% of women are treated successfully.

Researchers are continually looking for better ways to detect high-risk genes and are analyzing how lifestyle and medications may alter the risk of ovarian cancer.

Cervical Cancer
About 10,370 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix, the opening of the uterus) each year, and about 3,710 women die from it annually.

Women who have been infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) may be at higher risk of developing cervical cancer. A Pap test can detect pre-cancerous lesions that may be removed before cancer can develop. Talk to your doctor about how often you should have a Pap test. Over the past 20 years, death rates from cervical cancer have steadily declined, thanks to the Pap test and the ability to successfully treat pre-cancerous lesions.

Symptoms of cervical cancer may include unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding other than a normal period. Invasive cervical cancer is often curable with hysterectomy or radiation treatments, or a combination of the two.

For more information on female reproductive cancers, please call one of Beloit Memorial Hospital's Obstetricians at (608) 364-2220.