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Even with an annual Pap smear test and the new vaccination for young women, cervical cancer can’t be totally prevented. But there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing cancer of the cervix.
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Vaginal cancer is a relatively rare disorder, comprising about 2% to 3% of all gynecologic cancers. Approximately 2,400 women are diagnosed each year with vaginal cancer in the United States.
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The chance of getting ovarian cancer increases as a woman gets older. Ovarian cancer occurs in women over the age of 50 and the highest risk is in women over 60.
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Uterine cancer is the most common of all cancers in the female reproductive system. It can either form in the inner lining of the uterus or the outer layer of muscle tissue.
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Thought to be caused by a problem with the genetic information transmitted between an egg and sperm, molar pregnancy can develop during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Testimonials
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When Jan Holsclaw found out she had ovarian cancer, she was referred to Dr. Bigsby at Florida Hospital Cancer Institute for surgery and treatment. With reassuring words and...
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TV Personality Jan C. Garavaglia, M.D., (aka "Dr. G") is the chief medical examiner for the District Nine (Orange-Osceola) Medical Examiner's Office in Florida. When she... -
Bonnie has helped to raise millions of dollars for ovarian cancer research taking place at National Cancer Institute (NCI), Department of Defense (DOD), Centers for Disease...
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Ovarian cancer symptoms can often mirror other common conditions. As such, women may think they have digestive and bladder disorders rather than ovarian cancer. In stark contrast to these disorders where symptoms can come and go, the signs of ovarian cancer are constant and become worse over time.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Studies are beginning to show that women who have ovarian cancer are more likely to experience the following than other women:
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Abdominal pressure, bloating, swelling and fullness
- Urinary urgency
Other ovarian cancer symptoms can include:
- Unexplained changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent gas, indigestion
- Feeling nauseas
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Clothes feeling tighter around the waist
- Painful intercourse
- Lack of energy
- Lower back pain
If you have one or more of these symptoms, tell your care provider at the Gynecologic Oncology Center about them. Ovarian cancer can usually be detected within three to six months from the onset of the first ovarian cancer symptoms you experience. Since every woman is different, a consultation and exam at the first sign of symptoms is recommended so the best course of treatment can be determined.