Cancer in Women

Cancer Risks in Women:

Gynecology related cancers, found in the tissues or organs of reproductive system in women. The name of the cancer is based on the organ, which is affected. Most common such cancers are Cervical cancer, Ovarian cancer, Uterine cancer, Vaginal Cancer and Vulvar cancer etc.

The various causes and risk factors associated with these cancers are specific to the type of cancer the most common risk factor is:

• HPV infection and exposures to synthetic compounds related to estrogen during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage incidences, the estrogen induced cancer risk is for the woman as well as the progeny.

• Women habitual smokers are vulnerable to cancer risk.

• HIV/AIDS infection present in women can induce occurrence of a cancer.

• Other gynecologic risk factors over which there is no control like age, race, and history of cancer in ancestors predisposes the cancer risk.
• Although a risk factor is present, does not mean person shall definitely get afflicted with cancer.

Gynecological Cancer & the Symptoms:

Broadly the gynecological cancer is associated with pelvic pain, excessive vaginal bleeding, occurrence of vaginal bleeding during intercourse, prolonged abdominal swelling, incidence of weight gain or loss, frequent changes in the bowel. There can be very specific symptoms depending on the type of cancer.

Diagnosing Gynecological Cancer:

Diagnosis of gynecological cancer is done by pelvic examination, colposcopy, imaging technique and biopsies. If there is no diagnostic clue by these investigations, diagnostic surgery is performed to arrive at the site of existing cancer and do radical surgery of the cancer affected organ.

Treating Gynecological Cancer:

The treatment of gynecologic cancer is based on type and stage of cancer besides general health of the person. The treatment of gynecological cancer is done by chemotherapy or radiation exposures and as a last resort radical surgery.

Preventing Gynecological Cancer:

There are some gynecological cancers over which there is no control. The incidence of cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer can be reduced by exposure to sexually transmitted virus i.e. human papillomavirus (HPV).