Gynecological Cancer
Understanding the causes and symptoms of gynecological cancers, effective treatment, improve survival rates
Gynecological cancer refers to all cancers that occur in the female reproductive system, including cervical cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, and fallopian tube cancer. Early-stage gynecological cancers often have no obvious symptoms, and survival rates vary depending on the type of cancer.
Women of almost any age are susceptible to gynecological cancers, and these diseases often present with no obvious symptoms in their early stages or early stages. Therefore, regular checkups and preventative measures are crucial. Waiting until symptoms appear may delay seeking medical attention, as it could mean missing the optimal window for treatment. The best approach is to start a healthy diet from age 25, women who have been sexually active should begin regular Pap smears (cervical cell examinations) from age 25, and get vaccinated against HPV (cervical cancer) as early as possible.
Symptoms of Gynaecological cancer
Gynecological cancers often present with no obvious symptoms in their early stages, but the following symptoms may appear in their middle and later stages.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Heavier and longer periods
- Bleeding after menopause
- Increased and persistent vaginal discharge
- Pain during or bleeding after sex
- Abnormal swelling of the body
- Pain or pressure in the pelvic cavity
- Abdominal pain or back pain
- Abnormal fatigue
- Bloating in the abdomen
- Change in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, frequent urination)
If you continue to feel unwell, you should get checked immediately.
Risk factors for gynaecological cancer
The hectic schedule of the urban people, along with a series of physical and psychological factors such as an imbalanced diet, lack of exercise, excessive work-related stress, and heredity may easily facilitate diseases. Compared to men, women are more prone to diseases. In particular, gynaecological diseases have been affecting more and even younger women in recent years, posing a serious threat to modern women. The risk factors of gynaecological cancer include:
- Aged 50 years or above
- Have excessive body fat, diabetes or high blood pressure
- Have taken oestrogen after menopause
- Have never given birth
- I have previously taken tamoxifen (a hormone drug for breast cancer).
- Have never given birth
- Have a family medical history of gynaecological cancer
Gynecological Cancer Screening and Evaluation
Gynecological Cancer The 2 tests most commonly used to screen for ovarian cancer (besides a complete pelvic exam) are transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and the CA-125 blood test. TVUS (transvaginal ultrasound) is a test that uses sound waves to look at the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries by inserting an ultrasound wand into the vagina. Other cancer evaluation include:
Doctor Consultation and Physical Examination
- Previous medical history (such as gynecological diseases, pregnancy history)
- Allergy history, family medical history
- Menstrual cycle
- Measuring height, weight, and blood pressure
- Abdominal examination: Check for any palpable tumors, usually large uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, or ascites caused by cancer.
Special Inspection
- Cervical smear test:
The doctor will use a device to examine the cervix and collect cells with a brush for testing. The procedure takes only a few minutes and brings no pain but only minor discomfort. - Pelvic ultrasound:A pelvic ultrasound can be conducted through the abdomen or vagina to check the uterus and ovaries for fibroids, ovarian cysts, etc.
- Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS): Using sound waves to observe the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries
- CA-125 blood test: Commonly used for ovarian cancer screening
Gynecological Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
There are three main methods for diagnosing and treating gynecological cancer.
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, commonly known as chemo, is a treatment which primarily includes the intravenous injection of cytotoxic drugs. The drugs will circulate through the bloodstream and kill cancer cells by destroying or inhibiting their division and proliferation.
- Radiology
Also known as "radiotherapy," cancer radiation diagnosis and treatment uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It is typically used for radical treatment of early-stage cancer. It is suitable for cases where the tumor has spread locally, or for removing any missed cancer cells. It is also suitable for patients who are too old or have other medical conditions to undergo treatment.
- Targeted Therapy
Particularly for ovarian cancer patients, some carry the BRCA 1/2 gene, which can be hereditary and significantly increase the risk of developing ovarian and Breast Cancer. For those carrying this gene, a targeted drug called a PARP inhibitor can be used. When tumors carry BRCA gene mutations, inhibiting the PARP repair pathway can lead to cancer cell death, while normal healthy cells, which do not have BRCA deficiencies, are not affected by this PARP-targeted drug, allowing for selective targeting of tumor cells. Research shows that for patients with the BRCA gene, using this targeted drug after early-stage ovarian cancer treatment and completing consolidation chemotherapy can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
Treatment of Gynaecological Cancer
Exercise is especially important in the recovery process. Doctors recommend that gynecological cancer patients gradually engage in some rehabilitation exercises according to their individual condition, age, and physical condition.
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Upper Limb Movement
Use resistance bands to stretch your arms, strengthen your muscles, improve upper arm and shoulder mobility, and reduce upper body stiffness and fatigue.
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Cardiopulmonary Exercise
Aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, Tai Chi, and swimming
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Water Sports
The buoyancy and resistance of water allow muscles to be exercised with relatively light loads, while the pressure of water can further promote lymphatic circulation.
Gynecological cancer prevention
Gynecological cancers have far-reaching effects and are undoubtedly a major threat to women.
- Women with sex experience should undergo pelvic examination and cervical smear test every 3 years after the age of 25
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise for optimal body weight
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse
- Limit the number of sexual partners
- Receive HPV vaccination
Gynaecological Cancer FAQ
Gynaecological cancers refer to cancers in the female reproductive organs. The five main types of gynaecological cancer are cervical cancer, ovarian cancer (including fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer), uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer.
Many factors contribute to gynaecological cancers. According to medical research, mutations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes contribute to the growth of cancer. A number of factors such as smoking, aging, environmental influences or heredity can cause abnormal function of these genes. Almost all cervical cancers and some vaginal and vulvar cancers are caused by a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus).
Regular screening and self-examination can detect certain types of gynecological cancers in their early stages, when treatment is more likely to be successful and complete diagnosis and treatment possible. Diet, exercise and lifestyle choices play an important role in protecting against cancer. Additionally, knowledge of family history can increase the chances of protection or early evaluation by determining whether someone may have genes that predispose them to cancer.
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