Cancer doesn’t always announce itself with a lump or severe pain. Sometimes, it appears as a minor change in your body that seems easy to explain away.
Unfortunately, this is often the case with gynecologic (GYN) cancers (cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar). Some of the early symptoms can look like other common health concerns, such as menstrual cycle changes. Because these symptoms may not seem unusual at first, they can be easily overlooked and dismissed.
That’s why knowing your body and paying attention to changes is so important. Recognizing the signs of GYN cancer and knowing when to speak up can help you take an active role in your gynecologic health.
Why GYN cancer can go undetected
There are several reasons GYN cancers can be difficult to recognize in their early stages.
- Many symptoms can look like everyday health problems. For example, vulvar cancer can cause chronic itching, burning, pain, bleeding, or an open sore – all symptoms you could attribute to a yeast infection. You could also mistakenly associate pelvic discomfort with your menstrual cycle, bloating with something you ate, or needing to urinate more frequently with a bladder issue.
- Some symptoms may come and go. A symptom doesn’t have to be severe or constant to deserve attention. Some symptoms may come and go, making them easier to dismiss or forget about.
- There isn’t a routine screening test for every type of GYN cancer. A Pap smear is an important tool for preventing and detecting cervical cancer, but it doesn’t screen for ovarian, uterine, vaginal, or vulvar cancer.
Know the signs
One of the most important symptoms to pay attention to is unusual vaginal bleeding. If you’ve gone through menopause, even light spotting or a small amount of blood should be evaluated by a gynecologist. If you haven’t yet gone through menopause, talk to your doctor about irregular or unusually heavy bleeding or significant changes in your menstrual cycle.
Other symptoms to watch out for include:
- Unusual discharge, especially after menopause
- Itching, burning, or changes to the skin around the vulva
- Bloating or swelling in your abdomen
- Pelvic or abdominal pain or pressure
- Feeling full quickly or having trouble eating
- Unintentional weight loss or gain
- Bathroom habit changes (like going more often or feeling constipated)
- A lump, mass, sore, or other unexplained change
These symptoms can have many causes, so experiencing one doesn’t mean you have cancer. The important thing is to pay attention when a symptom is new, persistent, or unusual for you.
When to call your doctor
You don’t have to wait for a symptom to become severe before you tell your doctor about it. Your body often gives you clues when something isn’t right. If you notice a new or unusual symptom, make a note of when it started, how often it occurs, whether it’s getting worse, and whether you’ve noticed any other changes at the same time. If symptoms last longer than two weeks or become worse, reach out to your OB/GYN.
Remember, you don’t need to figure out what’s causing the symptom yourself. Your job is simply to notice the change and speak up.
How to protect your gynecologic health
Knowing the signs of GYN cancer is important, but there are other steps you can also take to stay proactive about your gynecologic health:
- Maintain regular visits with your OB/GYN. Regular gynecologic care is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health. Your OB/GYN can help determine which screenings and exams are appropriate based on your age, health history, and risk factors.
- Stay current with cervical cancer screening. Cervical cancer is the only GYN cancer that can be prevented through regular screening and appropriate HPV vaccination. Talk with your doctor about the screening schedule that’s right for you.
- Know your family history. Your family history can provide important information about your individual cancer risk. For example, about 15% to 20% of ovarian cancers are linked to inherited genetic mutations. Talk with your doctor about your family history and whether genetic counseling or testing may be appropriate for you.
- Pay attention to changes in your body. Don’t ignore a change just because it seems minor.
Listen to your body
GYN cancers aren’t always obvious. Sometimes, their warning signs are subtle and easy to overlook. Remember, you know your body better than anyone. If something feels different, don’t ignore it just because it seems minor or because you’re not sure what it means.
You don’t have to wait for your body to shout before you pay attention. Trust your instincts, talk openly with your gynecologist, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Recognizing a change and speaking up could make an important difference in your care.
Read Gynecologic Cancer Awareness, written by the Foundation for Women’s Cancer, for more information.