Gynaecological organs include womb, cervix, fallopian tube/ovary, vagina and vulva. Cancer can arise from any of these organs.
Cancer of womb is the most common with 9300 new cases every year, ovarian or fallopian tubal cancer 7500 cases, cervix cancer 3000 new cases. Whereas vulval and vaginal cancers are rare with 1300 and 250 new cases every year.
The red flag symptoms of gynaecological cancers are
1. Unusual vaginal bleeding (Bleeding after menopause, Bleeding in between periods, Bleeding after sexual intercourse)
2. Unusual vaginal discharge
3. Abdominal bloating, pain, change in bowel or urinary habits
4. Unusual swelling or ulcer on the vulva
5. Weight loss or loss of appetite
Some gynaecological cancers may be hereditary i.e. linked to faulty genes. Genetic testing is available to determine an individual’s risk.
1. A faulty gene linked with Lynch Syndrome is associated with a lifetime risk of about 40-60% for developing womb cancer. Some other risk factors for womb cancer include Obesity, Diabetes, use of estrogen alone as hormone replacement and medication such as tamoxifen used in maintenance treatment of breast cancer.
2. 10-15% of ovarian cancers are related to faulty genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA 2.
3. Presence of HPV infection is associated with cancer of cervix and vagina and may be associated with some cancers arising from vulva.
