What is one piece of advice to someone with a new gyn cancer diagnosis?

Give yourself some grace. Because depending on the day and exactly what you're going through, I think you're gonna have good days and you're gonna have bad days. Whether that's related to recovery from surgery, just emotionally and mentally processing everything, dealing with whatever stressors you have going on around you, just give yourself some grace and don't be afraid to ask for help.

What is a Gynecologic Oncologist? 

  • A gynecologic oncologist is a doctor who specifically manages the treatment of cancers of the ovary, uterus, cervix, vagina, vulva and other female genital tract malignancies.

What is gynecologic cancer ?

Gynecologic cancer is a group of cancers that affect the tissue and organs of the female reproductive system. There are five main types of gynecologic cancers–each named after the organ it originated in–which include:  

  1. Ovarian Cancer: a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, which are the female reproductive glands located on each side of the uterus
  2. Cervical Cancer: cancer that begins in the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus (the organ where a fetus grows) that leads to the vagina (birth canal)
  3. Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer: a type of cancer that begins in the uterus, which is the hollow, pear-shaped pelvic organ in women where fetal development occurs
  4. Vulvar Cancer: is a type of cancer that occurs on the vulva, the external part of the female genitals, including the clitoris, the vaginal lips, the opening to the vagina, and the surrounding skin and tissue
  5. Vaginal Cancer: cancer that begins in the vagina, which is the channel between the bottom of the uterus and the outside of the body

What are the most common types of gynecologic cancers?

  • The most prevalent is uterine cancer. Since 2007, there have been about 60,000 new diagnoses each year. The second is ovarian cancer, with about 20,000 diagnoses per year. The third is cervical cancer, with about 10,000 diagnoses per year. Vulvar and vaginal cancers are the rarest, with about 10,000 diagnoses a year between them. The vast majority of cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers are HPV-related.

What is a Pap test and what is its purpose?

  • A Pap (Papanicolaou) smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for gynecological cancer in women. It involves collecting cells from your cervix so that they can be looked at under the microscope to find cancer and pre-cancer. The main purpose of screening with the Pap test is to detect abnormal cells that may develop into cancer if left untreated. Cancer cells, as well as non-cancerous conditions, such as infections and inflammation, can also be found with a Pap test.

What is Chemotherapy?

  • Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat various types of cancer.

What if I have a family history of ovarian cancer?

  • You are at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer if a close relative, such as a mother or sister has the disease. A genetic test called BRCA 1 and 2 may be recommended if you have a strong family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. 

What is the difference between stage and grade?

  • The stage of a malignancy describes the location of the cancer and what organs it may have spread to. Gynecologic cancers have 4 stages. Stage I and II usually represent early disease while Stage III and IV correlate with advanced disease. Grade is a description of what the cancer cells look like under a microscope. Gynecologic cancers usually have 3 grades.

Common symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

Many women may be unaware of the symptoms of gynecologic cancer, especially those unrelated to the reproductive organs. As with most cancers, the earlier gynecologic cancers are found and treated, the better. Here are some common gynecologic cancer symptoms women shouldn’t ignore:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge (bleeding between periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, post-menopausal spotting, post-intercourse spotting)
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Abdominal or back pain
  • Bloating and early satiety
  • Changes in bathroom habits that are persistent (increased urination, constipation, diarrhea, thin or ribbon-like stool)
  • Itching or burning of the vulva
  • Changes in vulva color or skin (rash, sores, warts, ulcers)