Three critical gynecological cancers in women: Diagnoses, treatments, and awareness

Experts point out that increasing awareness about gynecological cancers can significantly improve early diagnosis and treatment processes for the disease. On this special day, drawing attention to women's health and taking the necessary steps to prevent gynecological cancers stands out as part of efforts to raise awareness across the entire society. Health professionals and non-governmental organizations are organizing various events on the occasion of today, aiming to raise public awareness and encourage habits of regular health check-ups.

3 IMPORTANT DANGEROUS CANCERS IN WOMEN

Every year, approximately 1.5 million women worldwide are diagnosed with gynecological cancer, and about 700 thousand women lose their lives due to these cancers. In our country, 12 thousand women are diagnosed each year with gynecological cancers, which include uterine, ovarian, cervical, fallopian tube, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Cervical cancer is being seen less frequently worldwide thanks to the widespread use of screening and the use of the cervical cancer vaccine over the last twenty years.

In contrast, uterine, ovarian, and fallopian tube cancers are threatening more women every day due to rising obesity and declining birth rates. Although mortality rates for gynecological cancers, which are also common in our country, are high, early diagnosis and treatment actually save lives.

Obstetrics and Gynecology / Gynecologic Oncology Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Engin Çelik pointed out that regular gynecological examinations and screening programs are of great importance in preventing or detecting gynecological cancers early, stating, “For this reason, every woman should take care to have regular examinations starting from the age of 21, even if she has no complaints.

In addition, one should definitely consult a physician for complaints such as irregular menstrual bleeding, post-menopausal bleeding, or pain during sexual intercourse. Because symptoms that are ignored can be an important signal of cancer.” The specialist doctor explained the 3 gynecological cancers that account for 95 percent of gynecological cancers within the scope of the September 20 World Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Day; he provided important recommendations and warnings!

CERVICAL CANCER

Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer among women of reproductive age worldwide. In Turkey, approximately 2,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. HPV infection is accepted as the main cause of cervical cancer.

90% of the Human Papillomavirus is eliminated by the immune system within two years after entering the body. However, HPV that escapes the immune system causes genetic changes in cervical cells over the years, creating cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), which are pre-cancerous lesions. If left untreated, CIN lesions can turn into cancer over time. Smoking, using drugs that weaken the immune system, and having multiple births are factors that increase this risk.

What are the symptoms? Symptoms of cervical cancer may include intermenstrual bleeding, bleeding during menopause, vaginal discharge, and pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Screening program: Cervical cancer screening is performed with a PAP smear test during a gynecological examination starting from the age of 21. In addition, HPV screening is recommended after the age of 30. The main purpose of screening is to detect pre-cancerous lesions that could turn into cervical cancer. These lesions can be prevented from turning into cancer with early intervention. Furthermore, the cervical cancer vaccine can prevent cancer with an efficacy of up to 90%. While the most ideal age range is 11-12 years, the vaccine can also be administered to individuals between the ages of 9-46.

How is it treated?

The treatment plan may change depending on the patient's age, desire for children, and the stage of the disease. In women diagnosed at a young age and at an early stage, surgery can be performed while preserving the uterus and ovaries. Radical surgeries may be preferred for patients who do not wish to have children. In advanced-stage cancers, the main treatment is chemoradiotherapy.

UTERINE CANCER

In our country, uterine cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in women. Approximately 6,600 women are diagnosed with uterine cancer each year. Its incidence is gradually increasing due to the rise in obesity, the decrease in birth rates, and the extension of human life. While the majority of uterine cancers originate from the inner lining of the uterus; Lynch Syndrome, nulliparity (not giving birth), obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, and advanced age are among other risk factors. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the use of birth control pills are protective factors.

What are the symptoms? Since it usually presents with symptoms such as post-menopausal bleeding, irregular menstrual bleeding, and vaginal discharge, it can be diagnosed at an early stage, unlike ovarian cancer. Especially bleeding that occurs during menopause may stop on its own, but a doctor should still be consulted.

Screening program: Except for patients with familial uterine cancer, uterine cancer screening is not performed. Screening consists of a gynecological examination, ultrasound, and taking an endometrial biopsy. In the treatment of uterine cancer, surgeries are usually performed using the laparoscopic (closed) method.

OVARIAN CANCER

Ovarian cancer ranks sixth among cancers seen in women in our country and leads the way in deaths caused by gynecological cancers. The reason for this is that, unlike other gynecological cancers, ovarian cancer spreads to the body more rapidly and symptoms related to the disease remain vague until advanced stages. When diagnosed at an early stage through routine gynecological examinations, the chance of overcoming the disease is much higher.

While infertility, obesity, smoking, and chocolate cysts (endometriosis) are among the risk factors, the use of birth control pills, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and tubal ligation are factors that reduce the risk. Approximately one-quarter of ovarian cancers develop due to genetic diseases such as BRCA mutations. For this reason, in individuals where a BRCA mutation is detected, other family members are also tested to see if they carry this mutation, and if necessary, precautions are taken against the development of cancer through preventive surgical methods.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms such as abdominal bloating, early satiety, abdominal pain, frequent urination, and menstrual irregularities usually appear.

Screening program: Ovarian cancer screening is attempted through gynecological examination, ultrasonography, and a Ca125 blood test.

How is it treated?

Since ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, chemotherapy is generally applied in addition to surgery. Depending on the patient's health status and the extent of the disease, chemotherapy may be given before surgery.

News Source: 12punto