Hey Ya'll!
September is Gynecological Cancer(s) awareness month. I'm focusing on Endometrial Cancer, since that's what I've battled with.
First of I think all people with a womb should know that your regular pap isn't enough, and there are other screening available, but you must advocate for yourself.
"At this time, there are no screening tests or exams to find endometrial cancer early in women who are at average endometrial cancer risk and have no symptoms."
"Women should also talk to their doctors about getting regular pelvic exams. A pelvic exam can find some cancers, including some advanced uterine cancers, but it's not very useful for finding early endometrial cancers.
Screening tests used for cervical cancer, such as a Pap test or HPV (human papillomavirus) test aren’t effective tests for endometrial cancer. The Pap test, which screens women for cervical cancer, can sometimes find some early endometrial cancers, but it’s not a good test for this type of cancer. "
"Ultrasound is often one of the first tests used to look at the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes in women with possible gynecologic problems."
--https://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrial-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html
You should also know about the risk factors:
"We don't yet know exactly what causes most cases of endometrial cancer, but we do know there are risk factors, like obesity and hormone imbalance, that are strongly linked to this cancer."
"Although certain factors can increase a woman's risk for endometrial cancer, they don't always cause the disease. Many women with risk factors never develop endometrial cancer.
Some women with endometrial cancer don't have any known risk factors. Even if a woman with endometrial cancer has one or more risk factors, there's no way to know which, if any, of them caused her cancer.
Many factors affect the risk of developing endometrial cancer, including:
- Obesity
- Things that affect hormone levels, like taking estrogen after menopause, birth control pills, or tamoxifen; the number of menstrual cycles (over a lifetime), pregnancy, certain ovarian tumors, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Use of an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Age
- Diet and exercise
- Type 2 diabetes
- Family history (having close relatives with endometrial or colorectal cancer)
- Having had breast or ovarian cancer in the past
- Having had endometrial hyperplasia in the past
- Treatment with radiation therapy to the pelvis to treat another cancer
Some of these, like pregnancy, birth control pills, and the use of an intrauterine device are linked to a lower risk of endometrial cancer, while many are linked to a higher risk."
---https://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrial-cancer.html
Then what?
"When a woman experiences concerning symptoms, a pelvic exam, including a rectovaginal exam, and a general physical should be performed. If the exam is abnormal or she presented for abnormal vaginal bleeding, the woman should undergo an endometrial biopsy, an ultrasound and/or a D&C (dilation and curettage) procedure.
If endometrial cancer is suspected or diagnosed, it is important to seek care first from a gynecologic oncologist—medical doctors with specialized training in treating gynecologic cancers who can manage your care from diagnosis to completion of treatment."
--https://www.foundationforwomenscancer.org/gynecologic-cancers/cancer-types/uterine-endometrial/
"Endometrial cancer may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormonal therapy. Depending on your situation, your treatment team may recommend using a combination of therapies to treat your cancer.
All treatments for endometrial cancer have side effects, but most side effects can be managed or avoided. Treatment may affect various aspects of your life, including your function at work, home, intimate relationship, and deeply personal thoughts and feelings.
Before beginning treatment, it is important to learn about the possible side effects and talk with your treatment team members about your feelings or concerns. They can prepare you for what to expect and tell you which side effects should be reported to them immediately. They can also help you find ways to manage the side effects that you experience."
(Linked above)
After treatment:
"The frequency of exams, imaging, and blood tests varies because of many factors. Typically, you will be followed every 3 to 6 months for the first 2-5 years with at least an examination of the vagina and rectum to detect any recurrences early at the most curable stage. These examinations will occur less frequently thereafter. In addition, imaging studies such as x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be periodically performed, especially if you have any new pains or symptoms."
Have a great day,
~CraftinWife
