GYN Cancer Tests

Originally Released: September, 1999
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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND MEDICAL EXPERTS SAY MOST AREA WOMEH DO NOT GET RECOMMENDED TESTS TO FIND GYN CANCERS EARLY

Gynecologic cancers, which involve the female reproductive tract, strike about 1400 women in Maryland and 82,000 women in the United States each year. They are the fourth most common type of cancer among American women today.

During September, which is GYN Cancer Awareness Month, experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center want to make more women realize the importance of early detection and treatment, for the best chance of a cure.

"Regular pap smears and GYN exams are the key to finding cervical cancer early, but unfortunately, half of the women in Maryland have not had a pap smear in the last three years," says Sandra E. Brooks, M.D., director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and assistant professor of OB-GYN at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Brooks adds that at a minimum, all women after age 18 should have the test every three years, and some women should have them annually.

The incidence of cervical cancer in Baltimore is one and a half times the national rate, and the death rate is twice the national rate. "Approximately one in every 20 women in the United States will develop gynecologic cancer during her lifetime," says Dr. Brooks.

Gynecologic cancers also include ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. Symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, a sore that does not heal, pain or pressure in the pelvic area, a persistent change in bowel or bladder habits, frequent indigestion or abdominal bloating, or a thickening or lump that either causes pain or can be seen or felt.

"When we detect these cancers early, women have many more treatment options. Women should be aware of the warning signs and the importance of early detection and proper treatment," says Dr. Brooks.

In addition to regular exams and pap tests, she says it is very important to avoid smoking, since smoking quadruples a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer.

Here are four things women can do to maintain good GYN health:

Get to know your family's history of breast, ovarian, uterine, colon and prostate cancers. The genetic risk for ovarian cancer can be passed on through either the mother or father. A family history of cancer is the most significant risk factor for ovarian cancer.
Assess your risk of cancer. Take 15 minutes out of your day to determine your risk for developing gynecologic and breast cancer. You can do so by logging on to the Women's Cancer Network Web Site, www.wcn.org. The site provides a free, personalized risk assessment.
Learn the warning signs of reproductive cancers and know your body. This knowledge is an important step to being proactive about your health and well being.
Make an appointment for your annual gynecologic exam. Women of all ages should have regular gynecologic exams and pap tests. Some of the most common gynecologic cancers have no symptoms and can only be detected through a regular gynecologic visit.

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This page was last updated on: March 20, 2009.