About Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer is the only gynecological cancer that can be prevented by having routine and follow-up screenings. When caught and treated early, cervical cancer is highly curable.
All women who have a cervix are at risk for cervical cancer.
Risk factors include:
Smoking
Certain types of HPV
Prolonged use of birth control pills
Having given birth to three or more children
Having HIV or similar conditions
Early cervical cancer may not cause signs and symptoms. Cancer in later stages may cause abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding, particularly after sex.
About Ovarian Cancer Though all women, regardless of age, are at risk for ovarian cancer, 90% of women diagnosed are over 40 years old. Each year, approximately 20,000 women in the United States get ovarian cancer. We have had women here in the Ozarks as young as 14 years old diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.
Risk factors include:
Have a maternal or paternal family history of ovarian cancer
Having had breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer
Have never given birth or have had trouble getting pregnant
Symptoms include:
Pain in back, pelvis, or abdomen
Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
Changes in bathroom habits
Bloating or feeling full quickly while eating
About Uterine Cancer Uterine cancer is most commonly found in women who are going through or have gone through menopause. Each year, approximately 35,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with uterine cancer.
All women who have a uterus are at risk for uterine cancer.
Risk factors include:
Are older than age 50
Are obese
Have had fewer than 5 periods a year at any time prior to menopause
Have had trouble getting pregnant
Have had hormone replacement during menopause
Have taken tamoxifen
Signs and symptoms include:
Pain or pressure in the pelvis
Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
About Vaginal/Vulvar Cancer Though vaginal and vulvar cancer is very rare, ALL women are at risk. Each year, approximately 4,500 women in the United States will be diagnosed.
Risk factors include:
Abnormal Pap tests
Smoking
Having HPV, HIV or similar conditions
Symptoms include:
Pain in pelvis or abdomen
Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
Changes in skin color; sores, lumps, ulcers, rashes, or lumps that don’t go away
Itching, burning, or bleeding that does not go away