September is the month of raising awareness for Gynaecological cancer. It is the time to spread knowledge and educate the public regarding what is gynaecological cancer, its risk factors, signs and symptoms, early detection and management.

Gynaecological cancers are the cancers affecting woman’s reproductive organs, including cervical, ovarian, endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Other is fallopian tube cancer which is very rare. Out of these, Cervical cancer is the most leading Gynaecological cancer in India.

Risk factors can be

Ø  HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

Ø  multiple births within shorter span

Ø  first pregnancy at a very young age

Ø  regular and prolonged hormonal contraceptive use

Ø  smoking, alcohol and sedentary lifestyle

Each gynaecological cancer has different signs and symptoms but most common signs and symptoms which can be present in women. They are:

Ø  Abnormal vaginal bleeding and/or discharge with foul  smell

Ø  Lower abdominal pain and/or pelvic pain

Ø  Abdominal bloating

Ø  Irregular bowel and/or dysuria/polyuria

Ø  Sudden weight loss. 

Early detection is the first step of management in gynaecological cancer. Tests should be done are:

Ø  Pelvic examination

Ø  Pap smear test

Ø  HPV test

Ø  Colposcopy

Ø  blood tests like CA 125 to detect Ovarian cancer

Ø  trans vaginal sonography

Ø  Biopsy

According to WHO, Cervical screening is the only way to prevent cervical cancer.

ü  Women should be screened for cervical cancer every 5–10 years starting at age 30.

ü  Women living with HIV should be screened every 3 years starting at age 25.

ü  For pre cancers or who have a family history of Cervical cancer should do regular screening every year which is important even you are being vaccinated with HPV vaccine.

ü  HPV vaccines should be given to all girls before they become sexually active.

Management of Gynaecological cancers

Ø  Surgery

Ø  Chemotherapy

Ø  Radiation therapy

Ø  Oral chemotherapy pills

Ø  Immunotherapy

At D.S. Research Centre, we are dedicated to bringing care, awareness, and hope to all the cancer fighters and survivors. By combining the wisdom of Ayurveda with modern awareness efforts, we aim to ensure every milestone in the fight against cancer will be worth the effort.