A common myth among post-menopausal people is that you “don’t need to worry about things down there anymore.” This isn’t true at all. In fact, both ovarian and endometrial cancers are more often diagnosed after menopause than before.
It’s important you know your normal – and get help when something’s not right.
Gynaecological cancers begin when cells in the female reproductive organs grow abnormally. There are five main types of gynaecological cancers – cancers of the:
Cervix
Ovaries
Uterus
Vulva
Vagina
Endometrial cancer can also be grouped with these types of cancer, since it affects the endometrium – or the lining of the uterus.
Unusual vaginal discharge
Vaginal bleeding between your periods or after menopause
Vaginal bleeding during or after sex
Pain in the tummy or pelvic area
Pain during sex
Difficulty peeing
Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea)
Persistent bloating or feeling full
Unexplained weight changes
Fatigue or feeling very tired
The symptoms of vulval cancer are a little different:
Itchy skin on the labia, clitoris, and surrounding area
Changes to the skin on the labia, clitoris, and surrounding area – dryness, rough sex, or bleeding from the skin
Part of the problem is that there’s a lot of overlap between these symptoms and perimenopause symptoms.
But there are some red flags to be aware of, including:
Unusual bleeding – increasingly heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after your period has stopped
A change in your symptoms
If you’re experiencing the above symptoms or feel that things aren’t normal, it’s important to see a healthcare professional. The earlier we check, the better the outcome.
You can:
Talk to your normal doctor
If your healthcare provider thinks you need further testing, an ultrasound is normally the first step.
HPV vaccination and cervical screening help to protect against cervical cancer.
But we don’t yet have screening programmes or vaccinations for other gynaecological cancers. That’s why it’s so important that you:
Know your body, know what’s normal – and what’s not
Know the symptoms and red flags
Don’t wait – get checked as soon as possible
Early detection and early treatment saves lives.
There are some risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing gynaecological cancers. This includes age, weight, lifestyle factors, hormones, medical conditions, ethnicity, and family history.
Treatment for gynaecological cancers vary depending on the type of cancer and how early it’s found. Your healthcare provider will talk to you about next steps.
