Five gynaecological cancers that every woman should be aware of

Gynaecological cancer which originates in a womanrsquos reproductive system requires early detection for accurate and timely treatment Understanding symptoms is key to navigate the conditionIt affects one of the following organs ndash ovaries uterus cervix vulva or vagina In a conversation with middaycom Dr Surabhi Siddhartha Consultant Obstetrician amp Gynaecologist Motherhood Hospital Kharghar shares five types of gynaecological cancer that every woman should be aware ofFive types of gynaecological cancerOvarian cancer Also known as a ldquosilent killerrdquo ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries in women Dr Siddhartha informs ldquoIt usually goes undetected until it spreads to other parts like the pelvis and abdomenrdquoSymptoms includeBloatingPain in the pelvic areaInability to eat or swallowFrequent urge to peeUterine cancerAlso called endometrial cancer uterine cancer starts in the lining of the uterus Dr Siddhartha suggests to look out for the following symptomsAbnormal bleeding in the vagina particularly after menopauseVaginal dischargeDifficulty having bowel movementsLoss of appetiteSudden weight lossChanges in your menstrual cyclesldquoPeople with PCOS polycystic ovarian syndrome obesity certain age groups and family history are at higher risk of being detected with this particular cancerrdquo she further informsCervical cancerThis cancer starts in the cervix Dr Siddhartha explains ldquoCervical cancer is often linked with HPV human papillomavirus infection in women Detecting cervical cancer at an early stage can be difficult as most of the women do not experience visible symptoms This is why it becomes crucial to go for routine pap smear tests for early diagnosis and timely interventionrdquoAs cervical cancer progresses one may start to notice the following symptomsVaginal bleedingExtreme pelvic painUnusual dischargeldquoBeing vaccinated against HPV infection can help reduce the risk of cervical cancerrdquo the doctor addsVulvar cancerThis cancer tends to affect the external genitalia in women known as the vulva Some common symptoms includePersistent itchingPainSignificant changes in the skin around that areaLumps and soresldquoDealing with these symptoms can be overwhelming and frustrating Many tend to ignore these symptoms as minor inconveniences or infections that may get better with time This can delay the diagnosisrdquo cautions Dr SiddharthaAlso readlsquoI was always exhaustedrsquo Things about menopause that no one prepares you forVaginal cancerA rare type of cancer in women vaginal cancer develops in the vaginal walls ldquoRecognising its symptoms becomes essential to minimise the damage causedrdquo says Dr Siddhartha sharing the following symptomsLump in the vaginaSpotting or bleeding after intercourseVaginal bleedingUnusual dischargeDifficulty in urinatingVisible swelling in the legsVarious risk factors can increase onersquos likelihood of developing this particular type of gynecological cancer ldquoThe risk factors may include people of a certain age those who were previously diagnosed with cervical cancer significant exposure to diethylstilbestrol DES weakened immune systems and smokingrdquo she concludesRegularly visiting your gynaecologist can help detect these cancers on time facilitating proper treatmentDisclaimer This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice Consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance