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Gynecological Cancer Month – September 2017

  1. Every 6 minutes an American woman is diagnosed with reproductive-gynecologic cancer.
  2. Endometrial (Cells lining the uterus) or Uterine cancer will be diagnosed in more American women then women who will be diagnosed with cervical (lower part of the uterus) and ovarian (Where eggs and hormones are produced & stored)cancers combined. times two!
  3. The rarest type of gynecologic cancer is cancer of the fallopian tubes.
  4. Approximately 29,000 American women will die each year of gynecological cancer.
  5. More women die each year of ovarian cancer than any other gynecological cancer.
  6. Regular Pap testing is the best way to know if you have HPV which is one of the leading causes of reproductive cancers in women of childbearing years.

TYPES
There are Five main types of cancer that affect a woman’s reproductive organs:

  • Cervical
  • Ovarian
  • Uterine
  • Vaginal
  • Vulva

For more on the Six types of Female Cancer Click Here

SYMPTOMS:

  • Abnormal or unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge.
  • Pain or pressure in the pelvis.
  • Abdominal or back pain.
  • Bloating or strong odor.
  • Changes in bathroom habits like constipation, or peeing or pooping more.
  • Itching, a change in color, or burning of the vulva.
  • A skin rash, warts, or sores of any kind develop on the vulva or vagina.

The first step is to know your body and then take control of your own health care by acting immediately when something isn’t normaal for you. If you have any of the symptoms on this list, please go to a doctor, get tested, diagnosed and treated if necessary. Its the only way you’ll know for sure…!

You can click here to find more on the Signs & Symptoms of Gynecological Cancer

Ways to reduce getting Gynecological Cancers & how to detect them:

  1. Know your Own body-Know what is normal and react when something feels, looks or seems wrong for you especially if it lasts for 2 weeks or longer.
  2. Don’t get Human papillomavirus (HPV)-Get tested, and check out the HPV vaccine. Use condoms for better protection from HPV any & every time you have sex.
  3. Get regular Pap tests-once you are sexually active and until you are 65 year’s old, or follow your own doctor’s recommendations. Pap tests detect pre-cervical cancer cells so it can be treated before it spreads.
  4. Stay Healthy by eating right-& exercising. Obesity can lead to cancers of the uterus & ovaries. Smoking can contribute to cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers.
  5. Know your Family History-If female cancer is part of your famly’s medical history, genetic testing could help understand your increased risk for ovarian, breast, and/or uterine cancers.

Thingswomen should know about gynecologic cancer Cancer Center’s of America has more information on how to detect cancers early, what to do if you get cancer, and what treatments are best or each cancer.

Treatments:
Choosing a course of treatment once you are diagnosed with Gynecological cancer should be carefully considered. Keeping in mind your lifestyle, your age and body type along with your medical history when making decisions will go a long way in your path back to good health.
Also remember other medicines you take might interfere with cancer treatments so notify all doctors in your treatment circle so any adjustments can be made before cancer treatment starts. Many cancers are not only treatable but can be cure.
Know the risks for reproductive cancers, get tested regularly, and finish all treatments & follow-up appointments if you do get diagnosed.

Main treatments:

  • Surgery.
  • Radiation Therapy.
  • Chemotherapy.
  • Immunotherapy.
  • Targeted Therapy.
  • Hormone Therapy.
  • Stem Cell Transplant.
  • Precision Medicine.

For more information on cancer treatment click Types of Cancer Treatment – National Cancer Institute

Lily&Q’s say…Some of us have never heard the word, “CANCER” during a doctor’s appointment and some of us have heard it, got treated, and “got that t-shirt”!
For those of us Cancer-Free, ‘High-Five’, and keep up the good work…I mean GOOD health!
For those of us who have had a diagnosis, completed treatments, get regularly tested, use condoms all the time, or have offfered support to another dealing with gynecological cancer keep hanging in there. Treatments are getting more precise and becoming shorter and kinder to the human body, all the time.
Support is the glue that holds the entire thing together-Find your own life glue-It’s PRICELESS! Friend, Co-worker, Lover, family member, Councilor, Doctor or Nurse, and the list goes on…Just DO IT!
Protect yourself, Test & Know your body-Trust me, You are the only one who cares about you ENOUGH!

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