The female reproductive system in humans is largely constituted of five specific organs - Ovary, Uterus, Cervix, Vagina, Vulva. The emergence of cancer in any of these organs falls under the classification of Gynecologic Cancer. Cancer happens to be the second leading cause of death in the world. It is treated with dread and apprehension. However, with proper treatment, therapy, and medication, we can fight it.

No form of cancer is 100% preventable. However, proper management of risk factors - diet, physical activity, awareness about hygiene and diseases, lifestyle choices, etc - can lower the possibility of being diagnosed with cancer. Awareness about the causes and symptoms of the disease is the primary step in managing the risk factors, and early detection of cancer emergence. Let us briefly discuss the same for the various forms of Gynecologic Cancer.

Ovarian Cancer.

The emergence of cancer in the tissues of the ovary is termed as Ovarian Cancer. It is the second most common form of Gynecologic Cancer, after Uterine Cancer. The equivalent of a silent killer, it causes more deaths than any other form of Gynecologic Cancer. The common symptoms include -

1.        Pelvic discomfort, or pain.

2.        Persistent indigestion, gas, and/or nausea.

3.        Abdominal swelling, or bloating.

4.        Urinary urgency.

5.        Burning sensation while urinating, even in the absence of infections.

6.        Changes in menstruation,

7.        Fatigue,

8.        Abdominal pain, mostly vague, diarrhea and constipation,

9.        Unexplained weight loss or gain,

10.    Formation of abdominal lump or mass,

11.     Backaches.

Uterine Cancer.

 Malignant neoplastic growth in the uterus is termed as Uterine Cancer. The Uterus is where a foetus develops till birth. Uterine Cancer has the highest rate of incidence amongst the various forms of Gynecologic Cancer. Women above the age of fifty years, and post menopausal women are at a higher risk of contracting Uterine Cancer. The common symptoms include -

1.        Dyspareunia,

2.        Lower back-ache,

3.        Foul genital discharge,

4.        Dysuria,

5.        Pain in pelvic region,

6.        Weight loss,

7.        Change in bladder and bowel habits.

Cervical Cancer.

The occurrence of cancerous cells in the birth canal, or cervix, is known as Cervical Cancer. The major risk factors include smoking, multi parity, multiple sexual partners, intercourse at an early age, and a weakened immune system. The common symptoms include -

1.        Post-coital bleeding,

2.        Foul vaginal discharge,

3.        Abnormal bleeding,

4.        Unilateral leg swelling or pain,

5.        Pelvic mass,

6.        Pelvic pain,

7.         Gross cervical lesion.

Vaginal Cancer. 

The occurrence of malignant tissue growth in the vaginal region is termed Vaginal Cancer. Tumors in the vagina commonly arise in the posterior wall and spread to the cervix or vulva. The risk factors involved include advancing age, previous pelvic radiation, vaginal trauma, genital warts (HPV infection), HIV infection, chronic vaginal discharge, smoking, and presence of Cervical Cancer. The common symptoms include -

1.        Painless vaginal bleeding (often after sexual intercourse),

2.        Abnormal vaginal discharge,

3.        Dyspareunia,

4.        Dysuria,

5.        Swelling in the legs,

6.        Constipation,

7.        Pelvic pain.

Vulvar Cancer. 

Abnormal neoplastic growth on the external female genitalia is termed Vulvar Cancer. It is the fourth most common Gynecologic Cancer after endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer. It typically occurs in women between thirty to forty years of age. It is usually preceded by precancerous changes. These changes are termed Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN). The causes and risk factors include smoking, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Infection, Immunosuppression, chronic vulvar conditions such as lichen sclerosis, prior history of cervical cancer, multiple sex partners, HIV, history of breast cancer, Diabetes mellitus, and obesity. The symptoms include -

1.        Occurrence of ulcerous mass,

2.        Pruritus,

3.        Vulvar bleeding or discharge,

4.        Dysuria,

Enlarged groin lymph nodes.

AN OVERVIEW.

EVALUATING RISK FACTORS.

Ensuring Quality Of Life After Surviving Gynecologic Cancer.

Quality of life involves multiple facets of a Gynecologic Cancer survivor’s life. These include -

·         Physical well-being,

·         Emotional well-being,

·         Social well-being,

·         Functional well-being.

Treatment procedures for Gynecologic Cancers have focused mostly on prolonging the survival of patients. Taking up validated measures for improving the quality of life in survivors should be concurrently encouraged. Prognostic factors and psychological treatment methods show a positive impact on the possibility of survival. Studies show that modified diet and lifestyle choices help women overcome post-treatment toxicities.

It is imperative to be aware of the importance of early diagnosis through effective screening. Moreover, it is important to include measurements for the quality of life in clinical practice. These may be crucial in evaluating certain therapeutic interventions, and the consequences of the disease on the lives of these women. Through measurement of the quality of life, it may be possible to provide alternative measures that mitigate the secondary effects of treatment.

So, to formulate an infallible course of action for the prevention, early detection, treatment procedures after detection, and post-treatment improvement in quality of life, an integrated multidisciplinary approach should be chalked out to fight the trepidation of the dreaded disease that is Cancer.

Awareness is the Starting Point Of All Positive Changes In Life…