Increased Risk
A person’s risk of developing any of the gynae cancers depends on many factors. This can include age, genetics, and exposure to risk – sometimes created by lifestyle. However, the positive news is that many gynae cancers are preventable, and treatable if diagnosed early.
“We know that embarrassment can sometimes prevent people from dealing with any gynaecological condition and seeking advice about any unexpected, irregular, or heavy vaginal bleeding, lumps, itching, pelvic pain, or discharge,” says Dr Roxana Curtis, a GP in Buckinghamshire.
“But please don’t let feeling awkward prevent you from contacting your GP surgery if you are worried about any gynae changes to your body. The earlier you see one of the GP team, the sooner we can either reassure you that it isn’t cancer or confirm that it is and begin treatment.
“We don’t cause cancer by talking about it, just as we can’t make it disappear by ignoring it!”
Prevention
Many gynae cancers are preventable. The NHS invites all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 for cervical screening every three to five years. Don’t ignore your invite – make your appointment and keep it. Cervical screening can identify any cells which have started to change because of high-risk HPV, so they can be treated before they turn into cancer.
HPV also causes most cases of vulval cancer, but smoking is also known to increase the risk. Smoking and being overweight can also increase the risk of ovarian and womb cancers. Quitting and losing weight are two of the best things you can do to reduce your risk.
Genetics
Lifestyle factors aren’t the only causes of gynae cancers. While you can’t ‘inherit cancer’, our improved understanding of genetics confirms that inherited faulty genes can increase a person’s chance of developing ovarian or womb cancers. If a close blood relative has had either of these cancers, or bowel cancer, or if you know a relative has been diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome, ask your GP for further advice.
Know Your Own Body
Other gynae conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis, or the menopause can all cause symptoms which are also signs of gynae cancers. This includes pelvic pain, bloating, or vaginal bleeding or discharge. But don’t ignore them.
At any appointment at your GP practice you can request a woman GP or nurse, a chaperone to attend, or that a friend accompanies you.
Dr Curtis continues: “You know your own body best, and if you are concerned about anything new or irregular which has lasted for more than three weeks, contact your GP surgery. Ignore any embarrassment – early diagnosis saves lives.”
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