When it comes to "female issues," have you noticed there's a tendency for people to whisper or not say anything at all? But a condition as serious as a cancer of a woman's reproductive system cannot be detected or treated by silence. That's why it's important for all women to know about gynecologic cancers and how to protect
their health.

Words to the Wise
The following overviews of common gynecologic cancers can help you learn about prevalence, symptoms, screenings and treatment.* Seeing your health care provider for regular gynecological exams can help you know your risk for a cancer 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. About 70% of endometrial cancer cases occur in women between the ages of 45 and 74. 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.

Ovarian Cancer
This year, more than 22,220 American women are expected to 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. Possible symptoms 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.

Dr. Tri Dinh Gynecological Oncologist The Methodist Hospital

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. "The Pap test was one of the greatest public health interventions of the 20^th century," states Tri Dinh, M.D., gynecologic oncologist, Division of Gynecological Oncology at The Methodist Hospital; assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University. "Over the past 30 to 40 years, we have reduced the rate of cervical cancer deaths by approximately 75%."

Paired with regular Pap tests, a new FDA-approved vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer. The vaccination protects women from HPV strains 16 and 18 (the main cause of cervical cancer) and 6 and 11, which produce 90% of genital warts. It’s recommended that girls ages 11 to 12 receive the vaccine as a preventative measure against cervical cancer. Girls and women ages 13 to 26 may also benefit from the vaccine.

For more information about gynecological cancers or to make an appointment, call 866-850-0183.