St. Elizabeth Healthcare offers specialized care for patients facing gynecologic cancer. With two comprehensive cancer centers serving Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana, the team expands treatment options and builds a plan of care designed for each person’s needs. High-quality, personalized cancer care is right here when you need it most.
Q: What are the first signs of gynecologic cancer?
A: Each of these cancers can develop distinct signs as they worsen. But many of the early gynecologic cancer symptoms are the same. Some of the most common signs include:
- Abnormal bleeding: Bleeding between periods, heavier-than-normal periods or bleeding after menopause.
- Bloating: Bloating that lingers or feels different from premenstrual or post-meal bloating.
- Bowel or bladder changes: New or lingering constipation or diarrhea or a frequent need to pee.
- Feeling full: Loss of appetite or feeling full after only eating a small amount.
- Pelvic pain: Pain or pressure in your pelvis or abdomen that won’t go away.
- Vulvar changes: Constant burning, itching or sores on your vulva.
You can also experience these possible shared symptoms:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Unexplained weight loss.
Q: What are the early symptoms of ovarian cancer?
A: Ovarian cancer doesn’t always produce noticeable symptoms when it first develops. And sometimes the early signs get confused with other conditions. So, it’s important to know what your potential ovarian cancer symptoms can include. Abdominal bloating or swelling are common. Other possible symptoms are:
- Back pain.
- Bowel changes (like increased constipation or diarrhea).
- Fatigue.
- Feeling full quickly.
- Frequent urination.
- Pelvic discomfort or pain.
- Unintended weight loss.
Pay Attention to Your Symptoms
Q: What does abnormal bleeding mean for uterine (endometrial) cancer?
A: Abnormal bleeding is the hallmark symptom of uterine cancer. It doesn’t always mean you have uterine cancer, but this sign does appear in up to 90% of cases. And because it’s an easily recognizable symptom, it frequently leads to early detection. For postmenopausal women, it’s often the first sign that something is wrong and requires attention. You should also see your doctor if you suddenly have a heavier-than-normal period or experience bleeding between monthly cycles.
Q: How often should I get a Pap test?
A: If you are between ages 21 and 65, cervical cancer screening is generally recommended every three to five years, or sooner if directed by your doctor. Your provider can help determine the right schedule for you.
Cervical cancer usually develops over time. Pap tests help identify early cellular changes that can lead to cervical cancer.
Q: Can the HPV vaccine lower my risk of cervical cancer?
A: HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that doctors believe causes more than 90% of cervical cancers. The HPV vaccine is nearly 100% effective in preventing new infections. So, getting the vaccine can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.
Gardasil®9 is the only HPV vaccine available in the United States. It protects you from nine types of HPV that can lead to cervical, anal, vaginal and vulvar cancers. The vaccine also helps prevent some infections that cause genital warts. Based on your age, you may need two or three shots for full protection. People under 15 should receive two shots given six to 12 months apart. Anyone older than 15 should get three shots.
The vaccine is recommended for everyone under 26. If you’re unvaccinated and between 27 and 45, talk with your doctor about your risks of HPV infection and the possible benefits of getting vaccinated.
Q: Does family history or BRCA gene mutations increase my risk?
A: Yes, having a family history of gynecologic cancer can increase your risk of developing the disease. It’s possible that you can inherit genetic mutations that link to certain types of cancer. For example, if you have the BRCA mutation, you could have a 60% or higher lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. You could also inherit Lynch syndrome, a genetic disorder that boosts your risk of ovarian and uterine cancers.
Remember, you can still develop gynecologic cancer even if you don’t have a family history. So, it’s important to stay current with recommended cancer screenings and annual checkups.
Q: Where can I get gynecologic cancer screenings in Northern Kentucky?
A: The Pap smear for cervical cancer screening is the only routine early detection test for gynecologic cancer. Talk to a Gynecologist or Primary Care provider at St. Elizabeth Healthcare to make an appointment for your test.
Q: What specialists treat gynecologic cancers at St. Elizabeth Healthcare?
A: At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, cancer care is a team effort. After a gynecologic cancer diagnosis, a coordinated care team helps explain next steps, review treatment options and guide you through care. Our Gynecologic Oncology team works with medical and surgical oncologists, genetic experts, pharmacists, nurse practitioners and nurse navigators to create the right plan for you and support you throughout care.
Worried about symptoms? Call (859) 301-2237 and select option 2 to schedule an appointment with a St. Elizabeth Healthcare gynecologic oncologist.
