Gynaecological cancer can affect a woman’s complete reproductive system. This encompasses the fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina, vulva, and uterus.
The five main types of gynaecologic cancer are cervical, ovarian, endometrial, vaginal, and vulvar.
The global cancer burden is rising and is expected to increase further in the coming decades.
According to the Malaysian Study on Cancer Survival (MySCan), in female patients, gynaecological cancers are among the top cancers in Malaysia with high mortality, presenting a serious health risk to women.
The growing numbers show how urgent it is to address the current situation and emphasises the necessity of a workable plan to deal with this growing issue.
Measures Women Can Take To Lower Their Risk Of Gynaecological Cancers
Gynaecological cancer prevention and early detection are pivotal to the fight against this disease.
Early detection of precancerous alterations is crucial and is achieved in large part by routine screenings like Pap smears, cancer marker tests, and pelvic ultrasounds.
Cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer can be prevented or detected early with a Pap smear, HPV tests and by taking the HPV vaccine.
An individual’s livelihood may be significantly impacted by these screenings.
It is also critical to understand that not all gynaecological cancers are detectable by the Pap test. In fact, the Pap test is only for cervical cancer.
On the other hand, a major challenging fact about ovarian cancer is that there are no early warning signs or symptoms.
Instead, you must pay attention to your body and recognise that certain symptoms should be taken seriously, and should be treated by a doctor if they persist.
Understanding your family’s past is among the most crucial things you can accomplish.
While genetic predisposition is present in only approximately 25 per cent of ovarian cancer patients, it can still be significant and open options for early detection and treatment.
Women are notoriously slower to report symptoms, so it is critical that we speak up for ourselves.
It’s crucial to discuss symptoms with the doctor if they don’t feel right because doing so could result in an earlier diagnosis and better treatment.
If you see any of the following symptoms, speak with a doctor immediately.
The Importance Of HPV Vaccination
Vaccinating against the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant preventive therapy that may significantly decrease the risk of cervical cancer.
Women are encouraged to get frequent screenings and to take preventative measures like getting an HPV vaccination.
In order to address this health issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) has established goals for immunisation and screening.
Preventing cervical pre-cancer and cancer is best achieved by immunising children before they start engaging in sexual activity.
For women and men, routine HPV vaccination is advised between the ages of 11 and 12; shots can be administered between nine and 26.
Cervical cancer can still be prevented by routine screening with HPV testing (primary HPV test) or co-testing, which is screening concurrently with Pap testing.
Identifying The Risk Factors
Early detection of gynaecological cancers can be aided by knowledge of the risk factors.
Learn about the risk factors associated with gynaecological cancers. Some of the risk factors include:
- Infertility and not bearing children.
- Family history of colon cancer.
- Late menopause after the age of 52.
- Diabetes.
- Hypertension.
- Smoking.
- Obesity.
- Lichen sclerosus (a chronic skin condition that causes thin white patches of the skin usually at genital area).
The stigma attached to addressing gynaecological health causes delays in diagnosis and treatment, which can worsen the course of the condition.
It is essential that women take responsibility for their health and participate in routine tests and preventative care. Many women will not show any signs.
To lower the prevalence of gynaecological cancers in Malaysia, more health care activities and awareness are required.
Women need to be made aware of the symptoms, risk factors, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these diseases.
Moreover, lowering the incidence of prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancers can be greatly aided by population-based initiatives for their prevention, control, and screening.
Dr Bheena Vyshali is a consultant gynaecologist at Beacon Hospital.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Ova.
