Gynae Cancer
What do you know about the different gynaecological cancers?
Gynaecological cancer awareness alert for all women, at all ages!
The reality is that very few menopausal women are aware of the five gynaecological cancers, let alone what the signs are to detect them!
Gynaecological cancer is preventable
The trouble with detecting gynae cancers early is that it may be women’s lack of awareness or embarrassment that leads to the failure to recognise what is, and isn’t, normal.
When women have concerns about gynaecological issues, things seem different, they should share their concerns with their GP as soon as possible, so that they don’t miss the window of an early diagnosis.
We need to know what to look out for in terms of unexpected changes in the vagina or vulva, and be aware of the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers - be body aware!
Here’s a brief summary of what the UK's leading gynaecological cancer research charity, the Eve Appeal, say about cancers, signs and symptoms.
5 gynaecological cancer signs & symptoms that pre, peri & post-menopausal women should know
Ovarian Cancer
Cancer of the ovary is most common in post -menopausal women but can affect women of any age.
Some of the symptoms include:
increased abdominal size and persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes)
persistent pelvic and abdominal pain
unexplained change in bowel habits
difficulty eating and feeling full quickly, or feeling nauseous
Womb Cancer
Known by different names, including uterine cancer, or endometrial (affecting the lining of the womb) cancer, it is the fourth most common cancer in women in the UK and the most common of the five gynaecological cancers, with over 9,300 women diagnosed every year in the UK.
The most common symptom of womb cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding – especially for women post menopause who may experience bleeding between periods, or that is unusually heavy. Also increased vaginal discharge that may be blood-stained to a light or dark brown in colour.
(The Eve Appeal note that most people with abnormal bleeding will not have a gynaecological cancer.)
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer, a cancer of the cervix (also known as the neck of the womb), can affect women of all ages, but primarily affects women between 30 to 45 years of age.
The symptoms of cervical cancer aren’t always obvious, it may not cause any symptoms at all until it’s reached an advanced stage. Some women do not experience any signs of cervical cancer at all.
This is why it’s so important that you attend all of your cervical screening appointments.
Vulval Cancer
Cancer of the vulva (also called vulvar cancer or vulval cancer) is one of the rarer cancers with just over 1,000 cases diagnosed in the UK each year. Around 80% of vulval cancers are diagnosed in post-menopausal women over 60 but is increasingly being found in younger women.
The vulva (women’s external genitals) includes the soft tissue (lips) surrounding the vagina (labia minora and labia majora) and the clitoris.
Symptoms include:
a lasting itch
pain or soreness
thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the vulva
an open sore or growth visible on the skin
a mole on the vulva that changes shape or colour
a lump or swelling in the vulva
Vaginal Cancer
Diagnosed in just over 250 women in the UK each year, most commonly in women over 60 and is rare in women under 40.
Some of the symptoms include:
growths
discharge that smells
unexpected bleeding between periods of after sex
March 2022
To learn more about each of the five gynaecological cancers visit the Eve Appeal website, where they have in depth explanations, the signs to look out for, plus treatment options.