Peggy Anderson Blog: September is
National Gynecological Awareness Month

September 21, 2007 by Howie · Leave a Comment

September is considered National Gynecological Awareness Month for the women in our Duluth community and across the nation.

Each year 77,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with various gynecological cancers. The types include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vulvar, vaginal and tubular cancers.

Several women have died of ovarian cancers in our Duluth community in the past year. Could you be at risk? There is a 15 minutes test you can take by logging on to www.wcn.org, the Women’s Cancer Network (WCN).

Our American Cancer Society tells us that in Minnesota there were 357 cases of ovarian cancer between 2001-2003 and the mortality rate for 247 between the years of 2000-2004. As far as uterine cancer between the same years of 2001-2003 there were 711 cases, with a mortality or death rate of 120. Uterine cancer has a far better survival rate in Minnesota than ovarian cancer.

According to our American Cancer Society, nationwide there is an estimated 22,430 new cases of ovarian cancer per year. As far as deaths from ovarian cancer, it is estimated that there are 15, 280 deaths that will occur in the United States in 2007. Ovarian cancer happens to be about 3% of all cancers among women, and it is second in ranking of all the gynecologic cancers. Uterine cancer is first on the list.

I know that I didn’t consider myself at risk. I was at 23 years of age, had cervical cancer, and had a hystertomy. At 33 years of age I had vaginal cancer due to bad cells left over from my surgery from that caused some major problems for me. Hemorrhaging problems that brought me to emergency wards, even though I had a hysterectomy. I had a procedure called cryosurgery or freezing of the cells. (Since I will turn 60 this next year, I don’t get embarrassed about “the little things in life.” Health is important in our society!)

I always say, “Every day is a gift.” This is especially so for many cancer patients, who cherish the rising of the sun, and the smell of a flower, a new taste, a new day, and a new event. We see the beauty in every day and every tomorrow.

In my book, Dear Auntie, Why Me? (My Breast Cancer Story) I wrote that endometrial cancer runs in my family. What does that word mean? I didn’t know for years because I didn’t take the time to look it up. It is uterine cancer. Sometimes families use these words interchangeably. We just didn’t know if it was ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer or some other type of pelvic cancer in our family. No one has taken the time to obtain the medical records.

If you have a family history of breast and ovarian cancer in your family, you should have a genetic test done for BRCA1 or BRCA2. Women at highest risk should have the CA125 blood test every 6-12 months as determined by your doctor. (I have had breast cancer as well, am a 3 year survivor, and it runs on my Father’s side of the family. I am negative for BRCA1 and BRCA2, but there is other genetic testing that can be done, according to the Mayo Clinic.)

What are the typical symptoms of any pelvic cancers?

. Pain in the pelvic area
. Indigestion,
. Feeling of fullness, bloating, fluid build up, large abdomen, pressure in the abdomen or pelvic area
. Thickening or lump that can be felt
. Vaginal discharge
. Genital sores that don’t go away
. Change in bowel or bladder habits

Got to your doctor if you have these symptoms for more than two weeks.

What are risk factors for getting endometrial or uterine cancers?

If you are overweight or struggle with obesity, used tamoxifen for breast cancer, had a late menopause, are diabetic, have never been pregnant, if you used estrogen meds, or if you had pelvic radiation you may be at risk.

What are the tests your doctor may order?

The typical tests are a pelvic exam and Pap smear test given once a year. Your doctor may order a pelvic ultrasound or a simple blood test called the CA 125 if you are at high risk.

What are the facts according to ACS about pelvic cancers?

· As far as ovarian cancer, “women younger that 65 years of age are about twice as likely to survive 5 years (56%) after a diagnosis compared to women 65 years and older (28%).”

· As far as uterine cervix cancer, “there are an estimated 11,150 cases of invasive cervical cancer cases to be diagnosed in 2007. They expect 3,670 deaths to occur in 2007 nationwide”

· The primary cause of cervical cancer is an infection of the human papillomarvirus or PPV, but it is not the only cause!

· Ovarian cancer is most often caused by genetics, and it kills way too many women in this country.

· The causes of endometrial or uterine cancer are Tamoxifen use (a breast cancer treatment drug), obesity, estrogen exposure, early menarche (menstruation), late menopause, having no children, a history of polycystic ovary syndrome. Also infertility and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) can be a risk factor.

· Cervical cancers maybe caused from a poor immune system, early sexual activity, or many sexual partners.

Prevention and preventative care are important!

· Early detection is important; it will reduce your risk.

· Go in for your yearly Pap tests and a pelvic exam once a year. It is not worth the risk!

· A transvaginal ultrasound is performed on women a high risk.

· Know your family medical history. Discuss it with your doctor.

· Do you have breast cancer in your family? Are there cervical, endometrial cancers, and ovarian cancers that run in your family?

Consider a Gardasil shot to prevent cervical cancer if you are 9-26 years of age.

Long-term use of oral contraceptives and pregnancy may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer according to some sources.

Tubal ligation and a hysterectomy can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer if you have BRCA1 and BRCA2

Some studies indicate reducing weight can reduce one’s risk.

Using estrogen alone can increase risk, so don’t use estrogen.

Don’t smoke as it is thought to cause cervical cancer.

Correct any nutritional deficiencies to build up your immune system.

Avoid long-term use of oral contraceptives to reduce your risk of cervical cancer. (Note: That is the opposite for ovarian cancer.)

There is promising research being done on blood proteins that may lead to more promising screening tests for women at risk that get cervical cancers in the future.

Your gynelogical health can affect your childbearing and your life choices. Take care of your body, “your living house.”

Consult: http://www.cancer.org for more information on this topic.