September is
Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month
ACT NOW Continuous Education and Awareness Program
Know the key facts:- risk reduction and risk factors of gynecological cancer conditions.
What are the five main gynecological cancers?
Ovarian Uterine/ endometrial Cervical Vaginal Vulvar
Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month
Cervical Cancer
Risk factors Almost all cervical cancer is caused by a simple virus known as human papilloma virus (HPV).
Usually affects women with multiple sexual partners, women who smoke, women who started sexual intercourse at early age, woman who never had Pap smear and poor hygine.
Risk reduction Get HPV vaccination before you become sexual active By limiting number of sexual partners you may lower your risk of exposure to HPV Using condoms can provide some protection against HPV but they can’t prevent infection completely Last but not the least is by going for Pap smear test and HPV test at the regular intervals
Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month drranibhat.com
Ovarian Cancer Obesity Getting older
Risk factors
Having children at olde age or never having a fullterm pregnancy Using infertility treatment Taking hormone therapy after menopause Risk increase if you have family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer. Having a “family cancer syndrome� such as - hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, PTEN tumor hamartoma syndrome, hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and MUTYH-associated polyposis. If you have had breast cancer in the past, you might also have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Risk reduction Using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) Being active & maintaining a healthy weight will reduces the risk of ovarian cancer Breastfeeding and pregnancy may decrease a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer. If you have family history of cancer get checked if you have inherited the faulty gene.
Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month
drranibhat.com
Uterine / Endometrial Cancer
Risk factors Obesity increases chances of endometrial cancer If you have started your first period at very early age & have had late menopause If you are diabetic If you have or had polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) If you have a "family cancer syndrome" such as - PTEN tumor hamartoma syndrome and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, you have an increased risk of develping cancer of the uterus.
Risk reduction Best & proven way of prevention is to maintain a healthy weight If you need to take hormonal pills after menopause discuss pros and cons of this therapy with your doctor. If you have any endometrial issues, get it treated. Be physically active. Active lifestyle can help you to maintain healthy weight & also lowers the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes
Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month drranibhat.com
Vaginal cancer Vaginal Cancer
Risk factors Having human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. Smoking tobacco may increase a woman’s risk of developing vaginal cancer. Having history of abnormal cells in the cervix or vulva can increase your risk for vaginal cancer Being diagnosed with vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) increases your risk of vaginal cancer.
Risk reduction Avoiding sexual intercourse with multiple partners Practicing safe sex, including condom use, although condoms cannot fully protect against HPV Undergo regular pelvic exams and Pap tests to find and treat precancerous conditions Receiving a vaccination to prevent HPV infection may reduce your risk of vaginal cancer
Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month drranibhat.com
Vaginal cancer Vulvar cancer
Risk factors Risk of vulvar cancer increases with age, though it can occur at any age. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that increases the risk of vulvar cancer. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of vulvar cancer. Having a weakened immune system Having a history of precancerous conditions of the vulva.
Risk reduction Avoiding sexual intercourse with multiple partners Limit your number of sexual partners Using condoms may reduce your risk of contracting HPV but can't fully protect against it. Have regular Pap tests and pelvic exams Don't get infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) or HIV
Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month drranibhat.com
If you have any of the above symptoms schedule an appointment with your gynecological oncologist.
GYN APPT
Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month drranibhat.com