Preventing Gynecologic Cancers

Gynecologic cancers are the fourth most common type of cancer in women. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent these types of cancers, there are steps you can take to reduce your risks.

Know Your Family History

As with most cancers, it is important to know your family history of gynecologic cancers. By sharing this information with your doctor, you and your doctor can determine which types of self-examinations you should be performing and which types of screening tests you should have. It is especially important to adhere to a schedule of annual gynecologic exams, including the PAP test.

Know The Warning Signs

It is also important to know the warning signs for gynecologic cancers. Being attuned to the warning signs of gynecologic cancers is one way to detect these cancers in their early stages, when they are most successfully treated.

There are many warning signs of gynecologic cancers. If you experience any of these warning signs, see your doctor right away:

• Unusual bleeding or discharge from the vagina
• A sore in the genital area that doesn't heal
• Pain or pressure in the pelvic area
Early detection is one of the best weapons against all types of gynecologic cancers.
• Change in bowel or bladder habits that persists
• Frequent or constant indigestion or bloating of the abdomen
• A thickening or lump in the pelvic area that either causes pain or can be seen or felt.

Preventative Measures

Recent scientific research has yielded further clues about preventing or reducing your risk for certain types of gynecologic cancers.

• Use of oral contraceptives: Several studies have shown that oral contraceptives are related to a decreased risk of ovarian and uterine cancer.
• Smoking: Quitting smoking decreases your risk of ovarian and uterine cancer.
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): Use condoms to reduce your risk of getting an STD, which can increase your risk of cervical cancer.
• Tubal ligation: Studies have found that women who have had a tubal ligation (surgery to tie off the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy) have a decreased risk of ovarian cancer.