Types of Gynecologic Cancers
Gynecological types of cancers can wreak havoc on a woman's lifestyle and threaten her life. If caught early, most gynecologic cancers can be treated successfully. Some can be prevented, or have the risk of contracting them greatly reduced, by taking proper precautions.
There are different types of gynecologic cancers, including:
1. Cervical cancer
2. Ovarian cancer
3. Uterine or Endometrial cancer.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is found at the entrance of the womb (uterus) and could be symptom free - and only discovered through an examination and tests.
If symptoms do appear, they'll likely be in the form of pain or irregular bleeding.
Current medical belief is that cervical cancer is caused by have contracted the sexually transmitted virus HPV (human papillomavirus). However, many women will have had contact with this virus in their lifetime and not all will develop cancer. Other factors play a part in determining whether the virus will develop into a dangerous cancer.
The recognized contributing factors are quite diverse and no single one is a specific determinant, they are simply correlations made from databases of affected women. For this reason, it is important to undertake testing at the recommended intervals.
Cervical cancer is more prevalent among women who:
" are sexually active at an early age
" smoke
" have experienced long periods of mental stress
" have a weakened immune system
" engage in unprotected sex with numerous partners
" obesity
Treatments for cervical cancer depend on the stage at which it's diagnosed. Some treatment plans might include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and other innovative options. Included in the treatment plan should be methods to keep up your energy, strength and quality of life.
Over 11,000 women in America are diagnosed each year with cervical cancer. It's good to know that the survival rate for cervical cancer is very good if the disease is detected early.
Ovarian Cancer
Women who develop ovarian cancer often have no symptoms until the cancer has spread. Ovarian cancer is much more difficult to treat in the later stages, so it's imperative that it's caught early on.
Symptoms
Ovarian cancer symptoms can be non-existent early, and vague or non-specific (to the affected area) later on. Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
" weight loss and loss of appetite, but may also be manifested with bloating
" pain in the abdomen or pelvic regions
" frequent urination
" back pain and fatigue.
After a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, a woman might choose between treatments including chemotherapy, radiation and choose among complementary therapies such as acupuncture, meditation and massage to lessen the side effects of the treatments.
Uterine or Endometrial Cancer
Uterine cancer (also called endometrial cancer) may affect women by attacking the cell lining (endometrium) of the uterus. Women at risk include those who are overweight or began their periods at an early age.
Symptoms of uterine cancer might include:
" bleeding between periods in younger women
" vaginal bleeding after menopause in older women.
Uterine cancer is very treatable and methods may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, biologic therapy and hormone therapy.
Lowering your chances of developing gynecological cancers by taking certain precautions and changing your lifestyle is the best way to ensure you never have to deal with these devastating types of women's cancers.
Discovering precancerous conditions at the earliest stage, choosing risk-reducing surgeries to keep cancer from even beginning and making definite changes in your lifestyle, such as stopping smoking, will help you control your own destiny and avoid a cancer diagnosis.
There are different types of gynecologic cancers, including:
1. Cervical cancer
2. Ovarian cancer
3. Uterine or Endometrial cancer.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is found at the entrance of the womb (uterus) and could be symptom free - and only discovered through an examination and tests.
If symptoms do appear, they'll likely be in the form of pain or irregular bleeding.
Current medical belief is that cervical cancer is caused by have contracted the sexually transmitted virus HPV (human papillomavirus). However, many women will have had contact with this virus in their lifetime and not all will develop cancer. Other factors play a part in determining whether the virus will develop into a dangerous cancer.
The recognized contributing factors are quite diverse and no single one is a specific determinant, they are simply correlations made from databases of affected women. For this reason, it is important to undertake testing at the recommended intervals.
Cervical cancer is more prevalent among women who:
" are sexually active at an early age
" smoke
" have experienced long periods of mental stress
" have a weakened immune system
" engage in unprotected sex with numerous partners
" obesity
Treatments for cervical cancer depend on the stage at which it's diagnosed. Some treatment plans might include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and other innovative options. Included in the treatment plan should be methods to keep up your energy, strength and quality of life.
Over 11,000 women in America are diagnosed each year with cervical cancer. It's good to know that the survival rate for cervical cancer is very good if the disease is detected early.
Ovarian Cancer
Women who develop ovarian cancer often have no symptoms until the cancer has spread. Ovarian cancer is much more difficult to treat in the later stages, so it's imperative that it's caught early on.
Symptoms
Ovarian cancer symptoms can be non-existent early, and vague or non-specific (to the affected area) later on. Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
" weight loss and loss of appetite, but may also be manifested with bloating
" pain in the abdomen or pelvic regions
" frequent urination
" back pain and fatigue.
After a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, a woman might choose between treatments including chemotherapy, radiation and choose among complementary therapies such as acupuncture, meditation and massage to lessen the side effects of the treatments.
Uterine or Endometrial Cancer
Uterine cancer (also called endometrial cancer) may affect women by attacking the cell lining (endometrium) of the uterus. Women at risk include those who are overweight or began their periods at an early age.
Symptoms of uterine cancer might include:
" bleeding between periods in younger women
" vaginal bleeding after menopause in older women.
Uterine cancer is very treatable and methods may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, biologic therapy and hormone therapy.
Lowering your chances of developing gynecological cancers by taking certain precautions and changing your lifestyle is the best way to ensure you never have to deal with these devastating types of women's cancers.
Discovering precancerous conditions at the earliest stage, choosing risk-reducing surgeries to keep cancer from even beginning and making definite changes in your lifestyle, such as stopping smoking, will help you control your own destiny and avoid a cancer diagnosis.