The warning signs of gynecologic cancers can be vague and similar to
those of other conditions. That's why it’s important to know what to
look for.
Cancer may not be on your radar, especially if you’re relatively young
and healthy. But it should be, regardless of your age or family history.
Each year, nearly 90,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with a
gynecologic cancer, such as endometrial (also known as uterine cancer),
ovarian cancer or cervical cancer. More than 242,000 women are
diagnosed with breast cancer.
Most of these cancers occur in women after menopause. But gynecologic cancers can strike women before menopause, too.
"Your risk for all cancer types rises as you age, but it’s important to
know what to look for at any age," says Therese Bevers, M.D., medical
director of the Cancer Prevention Center. "That way, if symptoms appear,
you can tell your doctor right away."
The signs of cancer, particularly gynecologic cancers, can be vague and
similar to those of other conditions. Only breast and cervical cancers
can be detected through screening. So recognizing these symptoms and
talking about them with your gynecologist or primary care doctor can
increase your odds of finding cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
Here are 10 cancer symptoms that every woman should be on the lookout for.
1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding. More than 90% of women diagnosed with
endometrial cancer experience irregular bleeding. If you have already
undergone menopause, any bleeding — spotting included — should be
evaluated. Haven’t gone through menopause yet? See your doctor if you
experience bleeding between periods, heavy bleeding or bleeding during
sex. This can also be a sign of cervical or vaginal cancer.
2. Unexplained weight loss. If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight
by exercising and making healthier food choices can actually help curb
your cancer risk. But if you suddenly lose more than 10 pounds without
changing your diet or exercise habits, talk to your doctor.
3. Vaginal discharge colored with blood. Bloody, dark or smelly
discharge is usually a sign of infection. But sometimes, it’s a warning
sign of cervical, vaginal or endometrial cancer.
4. Constant fatigue. A busy week can wear anyone out. But in most cases,
a little rest should cure your fatigue. If fatigue is interfering with
your work or leisure activities, stop blaming your hectic life and see
your doctor.
5. Loss of appetite or feeling full all the time. Never hungry? Appetite
changes may be symptoms of ovarian cancer or other cancers not related
to the reproductive system.
6. Pain in the pelvis or abdominal area. Ongoing abdominal pain or
discomfort — including gas, indigestion, pressure, bloating and cramps —
can signal ovarian or endometrial cancer.
7. Changes in your bathroom habits. Suddenly need to urinate all the
time or feel constant pressure on your bladder? Unless you’ve started
drinking more liquids or you’re pregnant, this may be a sign of cancer.
8. Persistent indigestion or nausea. Occasionally, persistent
indigestion or nausea can signal gynecologic cancers. Play it safe, and
see your doctor if you feel queasy more often than usual.
9. Change in bowel habits may be a sign of something externally pressing
on the colon. This could be any advanced stage gynecologic cancer or
other cancers.
10. Changes in your breasts. Most breast cancers are detected by women
themselves during routine daily activities like bathing, shaving or even
scratching. Be alert for lumps in the breast or armpit. Also be on the
lookout for changes to the skin on your breasts, changes in the look and
feel of your breasts, and abnormalities in the nipples. Having one or
more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer. But if they last
two weeks or longer, see your doctor to get yourself checked out.
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10 Cancer symptoms women shouldn't ignore
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