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Talking about our gynecological health can sometimes feel awkward or embarrassing, but it's important to contact a professional if you suspect something may be wrong.
This week marks the start of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, so we spoke to a gynecologist who offered some advice on five “red flag” symptoms to look out for.
There are five types of gynecological cancers (uterine, ovarian, cervical, vulvar and vaginal), but awareness levels about these five cancers are extremely low.
Detecting early signs and symptoms is vital to early diagnosis and treatment.
1. Abnormal bleeding/discharge
“Any type of abnormal bleeding should be investigated, but bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex or post-menopausal bleeding can be a sign of cervical or womb cancer and can also occur alongside other gynaecological cancers,” says Mr Narendra Pisal, consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology. “These symptoms should be investigated without delay.”
2. Lumps, bumps or ulcers
“Vulvar cancers often present as lumps or ulcers that are easy to feel without searching, so you may feel something unusual when going to the bathroom or during everyday activities like walking or sitting,” Pisal explains. “If the lump persists and doesn’t go away, it’s time to get it checked out.”
3. Persistent itching
“Persistent itching in the genital area can be a sign of candidiasis, but without the accompanying symptoms it can be a precancerous sign of vulvar cancer,” Pisal warns. “It can also present as vulvar tenderness, pain or a burning sensation.”
4. Abdominal distension
“We all have our days of feeling bloated, especially at certain times during our cycle, but if you feel constantly bloated or have abdominal distension (where the belly is visibly larger), then this can be a sign of ovarian cancer,” warns Pisal. “Some women with these symptoms describe not fitting into their jeans or trousers, but they haven’t noticed any weight gain – in fact, there may be weight loss.”
5. New onset of abdominal pain.
“While most women are used to feeling some abdominal pain, after age 45, the onset of new abdominal pain could be a sign of ovarian cancer and medical attention should be sought,” says Pisal. “Before age 45, abdominal pain is more likely to be much less sinister, such as an infection or another gynecological problem like endometriosis, which of course may also require a doctor’s visit.”
What should I do if I experience any of these symptoms?
If you experience any of the above warning signs, it's important not to panic as they could be caused by something much less serious – however, the only way to be sure is to see a doctor.
Pisal advises all women to have regular Pap tests, which are offered to women aged 25 to 49 every three years and every five years to those aged 50 to 64.
“Pap tests detect abnormal cells long before they become cancerous,” Pisal explains. “By treating any abnormalities, the risk of developing cervical cancer is significantly reduced.”
The gynecologist also encourages everyone to make sure they have been vaccinated against the human papillomavirus.
“Currently, it is being offered to girls and boys in secondary school,” says Pisal. “Vaccination against the human papillomavirus reduces the risk of cervical cancer by almost 90%.
“This will make a big difference in the incidence of cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer, as well as throat cancer,” adds the gynecologist. “It is also available at a later stage, but only on a private basis.
“Many women believe that the HPV vaccine can only be administered before initiating sexual activity, but evidence suggests that there is still a significant benefit up to age 45.”
