Early Detection and Prevention Saves Lives

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness MonthEvery hour, approximately 10 women in the United States are diagnosed with cancer of the reproductive organs. This sobering statistic should remind women of the importance of early detection and prevention.

"More than 80,000 women are diagnosed with gynecologic cancer each year. That means approximately one in every 20 women in the United States will get a gynecologic cancer at some time in their lives," says Dr. Alan Kaplan, a gynecologist at The Methodist Hospital and director of gynecologic oncology in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine.

Gynecologic cancer, the fourth most common cancer in American women today, includes those of the female reproductive tract, such as ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, vulvar or tubal cancer. These diseases do not have to be fatal. Research has shown that with early detection and education tools, such as PAP and risk assessment tests, gynecologic cancers can not only be detected in the early stages, but prevented.

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity to educate women on what can be done to save their lives:

Know your family history. The genetic risk for ovarian cancer can be transmitted through either the mother or father, making both family histories equally important. Family history is the most significant risk factor for ovarian cancer.

Learn the warning signs. For ovarian cancer they include pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort; vague, but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea and indigestion; frequency and/or urgency of urination in absence of an infection; unexplained changes in bowel habits; unexplained weight gain or weight loss, particularly weight gain in the abdominal region; pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating, and/or feeling of fullness; pain during intercourse.

Conduct an online cancer risk assessment at www.wcn.org. It's free and personalized.

Get your annual PAP test and gynecologic exam. Some of the most common gynecologic cancers have no symptoms and can only be detected by seeing your gynecologist. Regular gynecologic health care is critical to early detection.

For more information on gynecologic cancer, stop by The Methodist Hospital lobby on Sept. 7 from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. and on Sept. 14 and 18 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. for educational materials and the opportunity to ask a nurse questions.

- STEFANIE ASIN

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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