Screenings can be the first line of defense for gynecologic cancers. However, there are different tactics to look for cervical, uterine and ovarian cancer.
One of the better-known screenings is a pap smear. Gynecologic oncologists at Salem Health recommend pap smears to screen for cervical cancer every three years from the ages of 21 through 65.
While not hereditary, people who are sexually active at an early age, have multiple partners or have unprotected sex have an increased risk for cervical cancer.
Currently, there are no recommended screenings for uterine or ovarian cancer.
Risk factors for uterine cancer include obesity, or a family history of colon, stomach, liver, kidney, brain or prostate cancers. One symptom to watch for is heavy or irregular bleeding, especially after menopause.
“Ovarian cancers often go undetected until the disease has progressed significantly,” said gynecologic oncologist Erica Takimoto, DO. “Symptoms can include bloating, abdominal pain or feeling full with little food.”
Risk factors for ovarian cancer are advanced age, never being pregnant, obesity or endometriosis. However, Dr. Takimoto notes, pregnancy, breastfeeding and more than 10 years of oral contraceptive use can also help protect you from ovarian cancer.
While ovarian cancer isn’t the most common, it should still be taken seriously.
“One in 80 women will have ovarian cancer in their lifetime,” Dr. Takimoto said. “To put that in perspective, breast cancer is one in eight.”
Most cases of ovarian cancer are not inherited. However, people may have a higher risk with a family history of breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer.
“Carriers with the breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutation have an increased risk of ovarian cancer,” Dr. Takimoto said.
So, if a patient is worried about a gynecologic cancer, when should they see a doctor?
“If you are concerned, do not delay,” Dr. Takimoto said. “As with all cancer diagnoses, time is of the essence.”