By: The Association for Women’s Health Care

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus public attention on the five cancers that affect the female reproductive system: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. Together, these cancers affect more than 100,000 women in the United States each year. Each has a distinct biology, a different risk profile, and a different approach to prevention or early detection. At the Association for Women's Health Care in Chicago and Northbrook, we believe that informed women are better protected, and that starts with understanding what each of these cancers actually is.

“I called with an issue and I was able to get in to see Dr. promptly. They also followed up to inform me to take an extra step so that when I see him we could discuss the results. Dr. Sibul is hands down the best gynecologist in Illinois. He is personable and he explains things so well that it relieves fears and apprehension.”

-The Association for Women’s Health Care Patient Testimonial 

Cervical Cancer: The Most Preventable

Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus, or HPV. It is one of the most preventable cancers because it is both vaccine-preventable and detectable at a precancerous stage through routine screening. The HPV vaccine, most effective when given before first exposure, dramatically reduces the risk of the strains responsible for most cervical cancers. Regular Pap smears and HPV co-testing allow providers to identify abnormal cervical cells before cancer develops. Colposcopy and targeted treatment can remove precancerous tissue before it progresses. Women who stay current with screening and vaccination have a very low risk of developing cervical cancer.

If a Pap smear returns an abnormal result, that is not a cancer diagnosis. Most abnormal results reflect minor, manageable cellular changes. The key is prompt follow-up rather than delay.

Ovarian Cancer: Awareness Over Screening

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer, primarily because it is so frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. There is currently no reliable routine screening test for ovarian cancer in women at average risk. Transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood testing, while sometimes used in high-risk women, have not demonstrated effectiveness as general population screening tools.

This makes symptom awareness critical. The most commonly reported symptoms are bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency or frequency. When these symptoms are new, occur on most days, and persist for more than two to three weeks, they warrant evaluation rather than dismissal. Women with a significant family history of ovarian or breast cancer, or a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, should discuss enhanced surveillance options and the role of genetic testing with their provider.

Uterine Cancer: The Most Common

Uterine, or endometrial, cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. Its most consistent and important warning sign is abnormal uterine bleeding, particularly any vaginal bleeding after menopause. For postmenopausal women, no amount of bleeding is considered normal without evaluation. For premenopausal women, unusually heavy periods or bleeding between periods should be discussed with a provider.

Uterine cancer is most strongly associated with prolonged estrogen exposure without progesterone balance, obesity, diabetes, PMOS (formerly PCOS), tamoxifen use, and Lynch syndrome. Women with these risk factors should be especially attentive to any bleeding changes and should discuss gynecologic care and monitoring with their provider. When caught early, uterine cancer has excellent outcomes, with five-year survival rates exceeding 95 percent for Stage I disease.

Vaginal Cancer: Rare but Real

Vaginal cancer accounts for roughly 1 to 2 percent of gynecologic cancers and is most commonly a squamous cell carcinoma linked to HPV infection. It is diagnosed most often in women between 60 and 80. Symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding (especially after intercourse or after menopause), unusual discharge, pelvic pain, and in more advanced cases, urinary symptoms. Because the vaginal canal is internal, symptoms may be present for some time before they prompt evaluation. Regular gynecologic visits that include a pelvic exam give providers the opportunity to examine the vaginal walls and detect any changes. Minimally invasive surgical approaches may be part of treatment for vaginal cancer depending on stage and location.

Vulvar Cancer: The Importance of Speaking Up

Vulvar cancer develops in the external female genitalia, most commonly the labia majora. It accounts for roughly 5 percent of gynecologic cancers and is strongly associated with HPV infection in younger women and with a chronic inflammatory skin condition called lichen sclerosus in older women. Symptoms include persistent itching, burning, or pain in the vulvar area; a lump, thickening, or sore that does not heal; changes in skin color or texture; and bleeding not associated with menstruation.

Many women delay reporting vulvar symptoms out of embarrassment or uncertainty. This delay can allow early-stage vulvar cancer to progress unnecessarily. Any persistent vulvar symptoms deserve evaluation at a gynecologic appointment. Early-stage vulvar cancer, detected and treated before it has spread, has a much better prognosis than advanced-stage disease.

How to Protect Yourself Across All Five

Stay current with screening: Pap smears and HPV co-testing remain among the most effective cancer-prevention tools available and are core components of routine gynecologic care.

Know the HPV vaccine: Vaccination provides protection against the strains of HPV most associated with cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. It is recommended through age 26 and available for eligible adults through age 45.

Report new symptoms promptly: Abnormal bleeding, persistent pelvic or abdominal symptoms, unexplained vulvar changes, and any postmenopausal bleeding should be discussed with your provider without delay.

Know your family history: BRCA mutations and Lynch syndrome significantly elevate gynecologic cancer risk. Genetic testing can identify hereditary risk and open the door to proactive management strategies.

“Dr. Baum is an amazing and caring provider, he is extremely knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend Dr. Baum to all my friends and family members!”

-The Association for Women’s Health Care Patient Testimonial 

Awareness Leads to Action

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to make sure the women in your life, and you yourself, have the information they need to take preventive action and recognize concerning symptoms. At the Association for Women's Health Care, we are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate gynecologic care across all stages of life. Contact our Chicago or Northbrook office at (312) 726-3917, or explore our full range of services to schedule your appointment.