By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
Gynaecological cancer is not a pleasant topic – but it is a crucial one. As with the majority of cancers, the sooner its diagnosed, the better chance of recovery. This is why Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, a global event held every September, aims to spread the word about these cancers and their symptoms to help as many women and trans men as possible live long and healthy lives.
More than 70,000 people are diagnosed with gynaecological cancers every year in the United States. Gynaecological cancer encompasses the whole female reproductive system from the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes to the cervix, vagina and vulva. There are five different types of gynaecological cancer, each with its own risk factors, symptoms and mortality rates.
Cervical cancer
The cervix or ‘neck of the womb’ links the vagina to the uterus. The key symptoms of cervical cancer include unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain during sex and pain in the lower back, pelvis and/or abdomen.
The majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The HPV vaccine protects against many strains of HPV and children of all genders are recommended to have the vaccine from the age of 11. Regular Pap tests can also detect abnormal cells before they develop into cancer, and Bermuda has a lower mortality rate from cervical cancer than the OECD average due to early detection and treatment.
If you or your child have not had the vaccine, or you have any questions about cervical screening, do speak to your GP or pharmacist.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer occurs in the ovaries, the organs that produce eggs for fertilisation. The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, with the majority of cases found in people over fifty – yet it can occur at any time of life. Pain around the pelvis, bloating, nausea or difficulty eating are the key symptoms to look out for.
Uterine cancer
The fourth most common cancer for women and trans men in the United States, uterine cancer occurs in the uterine tissues and has two different types. Endometrial cancer is the most common form, and occurs in the uterus lining. Obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Uterine sarcoma occurs in the uterine muscles or tissues and is far more rare, although radiotherapy can increase the risk. Unusual bleeding, spotting or discharge are the main symptoms of uterine cancer, whilst others include blood in your pee, pain during sex or abdominal pain.
Vulva cancer
The vulva is the external genitalia, including the labia, clitoris and the Bartholin’s glands on either side of the vagina. Vulvar cancer often affects the outer vaginal lips and occurs mostly in those over 65. The condition can be a progression of abnormal cells on the surface of the vulvar skin – vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) – so it’s important to seek diagnosis and treatment if you are concerned about this. HPV and genital warts can also increase the risk. Pain, itching, soreness or lumps in the vulva can signify vulva cancer, as can unusual bleeding, discharge or warts.
Of course, there are many reasons and causes for these kinds of symptoms, but it is always better to check in with your GP or pharmacist to ensure that whatever your condition, you can be treated as quickly as possible. If you’re unsure about your symptoms or where to seek help, you can always speak to your pharmacist who can advise on your next steps and, for those experiencing more minor gynaecological conditions such as a yeast infection or UTI, recommend helpful remedies such as Canesten or Monistat vaginal inserts or Fluconazole which is taken by mouth for yeast infections or Phenazopyridine (Urinary Pain Relief) or Cymalon which ease the symptoms of an UTI.
If you have any of the symptoms outlined here or are concerned about gynaecological cancer, speak to your GP as soon as possible. And spread the word! Awareness can save many lives.
Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.
