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Why your annual OB-GYN visit could save your life
This year, more than 98,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with gynecologic cancer and about 30,000 of them will die of it. Dr. Manny speaks with Gynecologist Oncologist, Dr. Sharyn Lewin, signs and symptoms and preventative measures to take
This year, more than 98,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with gynecological cancer and about 30,000 will die of this disease. Despite this threat, few Americans know the signs and symptoms to watch for and the preventative measures to take. The most common forms are cancers of the cervix, uterus, vagina, vulva and ovarian.
Dr. Manny Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief of Health at FoxNews.com, recently met with Dr. Sharyn Lewin of the Holy Name Medical Center to educate gynecologists about the causes and symptoms of these diseases.
Lewin has devoted his entire career to improving the screening, treatment, prevention and overall quality of care provided to women across the country. All women are at risk of gynecological cancer, regardless of age or ethnicity. Although there is no cure for these types of cancers, prevention and early detection can lead to more effective treatment.
"The bottom line is that this annual visit to OB-GYN [obstetrician-gynecologist] is so important, said Lewin at FoxNews.com. "We found in a national survey sponsored by Genentech and the Women's Cancer Foundation that less than half of women see the importance of an annual visit to the gynecologist and that this is an appointment. you prevent important. "
Most teenagers start seeing an OB-GYN around the age of thirteen. An annual review with your OB-GYN should include screening tests, exams and discussions on health topics and immunizations appropriate to your age and risk factors.
Each gynecological cancer is different and has its own set of risk factors. For cervical cancer, almost all cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Therefore, sexually transmitted infection can increase your risk.
"If women had their regular smear and had even been vaccinated against the HPV vaccine, the vaccine against the human papillomavirus, cervical cancer could really be eradicated in the United States. detected and treated well before they became cancer, "said Lewin.
The Papanicolaou test, or test, looks for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pap test is recommended for women aged 21 to 65 years. For women over the age of 30, an HPV test can also be used to detect the types of HPV-related cervical cancer.
Another important area of prevention is maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active.
"Obesity is a significant risk factor with regard to ovarian cancer and uterine cancer so it is very important to stay in an ideal weight," said Lewin. , adding that genetics like the BRCA mutation for ovarian cancer. Studies estimate that 39% of women who inherit a BRCA1 mutation will develop ovarian cancer at age 70.
Some early gynecological cancers may not cause symptoms until the cancer is advanced, which is why knowledge of signs and symptoms can play one of the most important roles in prevention.
Symptoms of cancer of the cervix of the uterus:
– Abnormal vaginal bleeding
-Pelvic pain or during sexual intercourse
Unusual vaginal discharge
-Dorsal pain, bone pain or fractures
"Cervical cancer has no symptoms, so the Pap test is so important because we can detect it with the Pap test and treat it before the symptoms develop," said Lewin.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer:
– Abdominal or pelvic pain
-Full full life
-Well with urination
-Bloating
"We call it the silent killer because we do not have a good test yet and the symptoms are often detected late," she added.
Symptoms of cancer of the uterus:
– Abnormal bleeding and bleeding after menopause
– Pelvic pain
-Weightloss
"Uterine cancer, which is the most common cancer we observe, usually manifests as bleeding after menopause, so any bleeding after menopause or abnormal bleeding should be evaluated." .
Symptoms of cancer of the vagina and vulva:
– Persistent itching, burning or bleeding on the vulva
– vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding
– Discoloration of the skin on the vulva; more red or whiter, rash or warts
"Vaginal and vulvar cancers are not very common and most of them are related to HPV, which is why the vaccine is so important," Lewin said.
The rates of some gynecological cancers have decreased over the years. In particular, a lot of progress has been made in cervical cancer, said Lewin.
The American Cancer Society has reported that in the last 30 years, the death rate in patients with cervical cancer has decreased by more than 50% – a result that Many experts consider that increased use of Pap tests and vaccines is needed.
For more information, visit FoundationforWomensCancer.org.
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