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Here are answers from the MCGHealth Cancer Center to some of most frequently asked questions to help women better understand these diseases. What is Gynecologic cancer? Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in a woman’s reproductive organs. The five types of gynecologic cancers begin in different places within a woman’s pelvis, which is the area below the stomach and in between the hip bones. Each gynecologic cancer is unique, with different signs, symptoms, risk factors and prevention strategies. All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and risk increases with age. When gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective. What are the five types of gynecologic cancer? 1. Uterine cancer begins in the uterus, the pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis where the baby grows when a woman is pregnant. Approximately 37,500 women are diagnosed with this type of gynecological cancer each year, making it the most common cancer of the reproductive system. 2. Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, which are located on each side of the uterus. Almost 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. While it is less common than uterine cancer, it is much more deadly, causing more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. 3. Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow end of the uterus, or womb. Approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. 4. Vulvar cancer begins in the vulva, the outer part of the female genital organs. About 3,740 women are diagnosed with vulvar cancer each year. 5. Vaginal cancer beings in the vagina, which is the hollow, tube-like channel between the bottom of the uterus and the outside of the body. Nearly 1,027 women are diagnosed with vaginal cancer per year. What are some of the warning signs or symptoms? Cervical and vaginal cancers may have little or no early symptoms. Ovarian, uterine and vulvar cancers usually do show signs. Here are some of the signs that could indicate cancer in the reproductive system for women: ● Unusual bleeding or bleeding during intercourse. ● Vaginal discharge that is slightly bloody. ● Bloating. ● Pelvic or abdominal pain, or pain during intercourse. ● Trouble eating or feeling full quickly. ● Urinary urgency or frequency. ● Itching of the vulva that does not go away. ● Skin changes or persistent sores. How is gynecological cancer detected? Seeing your doctor for regular Pap smears can be one of the best methods in detecting gynecologic cancers. Make an appointment with your gynecologist a year in advance and be sure to keep each visit. The Pap test can detect cervical cancer early, when treatment is most effective. This test also helps prevent cervical cancers by uncovering pre-cancers or cell changes on the cervix that could become cancer if they are not treated appropriately. In addition to the Pap test, which is the main test for cervical cancer there is a test that looks for human papillomavirus or HPV. Some gynecologic cancers are caused by HPV, a very common sexually transmitted infection. There is a vaccine that protects against the HPV types that most often cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. The HPV vaccine is recommended for 11 and 12 year old girls. Ideally, girls should get three doses before their first sexual contact. The vaccine can also be administered to females age 13 to 26 not previously vaccinated or who didn’t get all three doses when they were younger. There is no simple or reliable way to test for other gynecologic cancers in women who do not have any signs or symptoms. That is why it is important to know about the cancers, recognize warning signs and learn what you can do to reduce your risk. Talk with your doctors if you believe that you are at an increased risk for gynecologic cancer and ask what you might do to lower your risk. What kind of treatment is available? If your doctor diagnoses gynecologic cancer, ask to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist, a doctor who has been trained to treat the cancers of a woman’s reproductive system. This specialist will work with you to create a treatment plan that may include in or all of the following: ● Surgery ● Chemotherapy ● Radiation Therapy Nearly 80,000 women will be diagnosed with gynecological cancer this year. There is no way to know for sure if you will be one of them, but you can be proactive in the fight. It is important to pay attention to your body and know what is normal for you, so you can recognize possible warning signs or symptoms. If you think you have any warning signs, talk to your doctor, nurse, or other health care professional right away. MCG Health, Inc. (d/b/a MCGHealth) is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCGHealth Medical Center, MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center, and related outpatient facilities and services throughout the state. Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and be eligible for Health News, discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7. HealthNewsDigest.com We also create, produce and distribute tv/cable public service campaigns: HealthyTelevisionProductions Top of Page 
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