Disclaimer :: This post was was sponsored and written by Baylor Scott and White Fort Worth to bring gynecological health awareness to Fort Worth Moms readers.
What is gynecological cancer, and how can it affect you? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines gynecological cancer as “any cancer that starts in a women’s reproductive organs.” This classification of cancers is made up of cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. The signs, symptoms, and risk factors vary between the different cancers.
However, everyone should be aware of these common misconceptions to make sure you’re as educated as possible. For additional information, consider attending the 8th Annual Gynecological Oncology Symposium at the Joan Katz Breast Center at Baylor Scott and White Fort Worth.
Myths About Gynecologic Cancers
Myth #1: I don’t have a family history of gynecologic cancer, so I’m okay, right?
MAYBE. Most women with gynecologic cancer do not have a family history. If fact, not all cancers are hereditary. Cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer are cause by exposure to HPV, which is contracted through sexual contact. Ovarian, fallopian tube, and endometrial cancers may be hereditary. It is important to know your family history. If you have first-degree relatives with cancer, make sure you discuss this with your heath care provider. You may be referred for genetic counseling or testing
Myth #2: I always have my annual exam and PAP, so I won’t get gynecologic cancer.
FALSE. While an annual exam and PAP test screen for certain cancers, this is not a screening test for endometrial, ovarian, or fallopian tube cancers. Very few of these cancers are detected in this way. It is very important that you seek medical attention if you have symptoms that persist or remain unexplained, even if you recently had an exam and PAP.
Myth #3: Birth control pills increase the risk of gynecologic cancer.
FALSE. In fact, women who take birth control pills for more than five years have up to a 40 percent decrease risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers. There are other benefits of birth control pills including more regular cycles and decreased pain from endometriosis. Not everyone can take birth control pills, so make sure you talk to your health care provider about the pros and cons of these medications
Myth #4: I had a hysterectomy, so I don’t need pelvic exams or PAPs anymore.
FALSE. It is very important that you continue to get pelvic exams on a regular basis even though you have had a hysterectomy. I have had far too many patients with cancer that haven’t had an exam for many years because they “didn’t think they had anything left down there.” Even after a hysterectomy you still have a vagina and a vulva, not to mention that sometimes the ovaries/tubes, or a remnant of them, are left in place after a hysterectomy. The pelvis is a part of the body just like your lungs, heart, and abdomen and should be part of your regular physical exam. Also, some women still need PAP smears depending on circumstances or risk factors, such as a new sexual partner, previous abnormal PAPs, smoking, or suppressed immune system. (A suppressed immune system can be from medications used to treat arthritis, autoimmune disease, or transplant patients.) A pelvic exam may be uncomfortable, but it may save your life!
If you or someone you know someone has been diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, or you have more questions regarding facts and resources, join us for our 8th Annual Gynecological Oncology Symposium.
Dr. Noelle Cloven, MD, is an oncology specialist in Fort Worth, Texas, and has been practicing for 18 years. She graduated from Baylor College of Medicine and specializes in gynecological cancers.
