World Ovarian Cancer Day takes place May 8 — just before Mother’s Day — and marks the start of National Women’s Health Week (May 9 – 15). This confluence of events makes this an excellent time to shine a light on the symptoms of gynecological cancers and the preventative measures women can take to lessen their risk.

There aren’t many options when it comes to gynecological screenings. That is one reason why knowing the warning signs and keeping up with annual examinations is so important.

Symptoms of Gynecological Cancers

Endometrial cancer, which starts in the inner lining of the uterus, is one of the most common gynecological cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 66,000 cases of endometrial cancer will be diagnosed in 2021 and nearly 13,000 women are projected to die from it. The good thing about endometrial and cervical cancers is they are often easy to identify because they present very specific symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge.

Ovarian cancer, which ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, is far more challenging to diagnose because its symptoms including bloating, diarrhea and weight gain can all be attributed to less serious conditions. Consequently, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed when it is already in an advanced — and sometimes untreatable — stage.

Vulvar cancer is exceedingly rare, accounting for less than 1% of cancers in women.  However, the American Cancer Society projects more than 1,500 women will die from vulvar cancer in 2021. Symptoms of vulvar cancer include the presence of unusual moles, itching and irritation. Women, especially those 60 years or older, should see their physician if they are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Remaining Vigilant and Proactive

The healthcare industry has made great strides in understanding the genetic components of many cancers — gynecological cancers included.

Genetic predispositions can be traced to 25% of ovarian, Fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers. This allows women in the high-risk category to be screened earlier with the cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) blood test. In some cases, risk-reducing surgeries can be performed.

However, while they are the best option right now for diagnosing these cancers, data has shown that these tests aren’t always effective. Because there aren’t many options in regards to screenings for these cancers, it is important that women remain proactive about their annual check-ups, including a full examination of the uterus and ovaries — especially since malignancies in these areas may go undetected during a Pap smear.

Being proactive means living a healthy lifestyle as well. Obesity can be traced back to conditions such as endometrial cancer, so eating right and getting plenty of exercise can help reduce the risk of a diagnosis. When it comes to staving off cervical cancer, physicians highly recommend the HPV vaccine that prevents the human papilloma virus — the primary cause of cervical cancer.

We are always looking at new and enhanced ways to prevent and ultimately eradicate cancer – a quest that has led to the development of medications such as PARP (poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase) inhibitors, a targeted therapy that can be taken orally and prevents cancer cells from repairing themselves. Without patient participation in clinical trials, however, advanced treatments such as PARP wouldn’t be possible, which is why patients are encouraged to participate in these trials whenever and wherever they can.

Clinical trials allow patients access to innovative and cutting-edge treatment methods while also helping the healthcare industry move forward in its quest to better treat — and ultimately eradicate — cancer.

The Benefit of Comprehensive Cancer Care

Similar to the other community-based practices in the American Oncology Network (AON), Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona offers comprehensive whole-person care.

Our nurses and multidisciplinary oncologists accompany patients on every step of their journey, from initial diagnosis through chemotherapy and, if needed, surgical procedures. We also provide cancer surveillance and survivorship programs to help guard against a recurrence.

Because our patients receive treatments and follow-up in one nearby, convenient location, they are able to form trusting relationships with our nurses, physicians and staff — the greatest benefit to working with a community oncology clinic.

Cancer is one of the most challenging and scariest experiences a person can endure. Doing so in a safe and comfortable environment, however, can go a long way toward lessening some of the emotional and physical burden.