Cancers are diseases that can attack any part of the body.

Gynecological Cancers attack women reproductive parts. 

Women reproductive parts can be illustrated as in the diagram below:

The risk of developing gynecological cancers increase with age but all women are at risk of developing them. Therefore, it is necessary for women to understand the gynecological cancer disease and what can be done to reduce the risk of getting it.

Gynecological cancer types

Cervical Cancer is the cancer that attacks the cells of the cervix. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV).

Symptoms

Cervical cancer does not cause symptoms at early stages until  pre-cancer cervix cell changes become cancerous and invade parts of the cervix or tissue of other pelvic organs. Common symptoms include:

• Abnormal bleeding (between regular menstrual periods, bleeding after menopause, bleeding after sexual intercourse, etc)

• Abnormal menstrual bleeding (heavy and sometimes longer than normal)

• Abnormal vaginal discharge

• Vaginal odour

• Pain during sexual intercourse:

These symptoms can be signs of other ill-health. It IS IMPORTANT TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR DIAGNOSIS IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS.

Ovarian cancer is the cancer that attacks the ovaries – located one on each side of the uterus. (Ovarian cancer can occurs in one or in both).

Symptoms

Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include: 

• Abnormal bleeding (between regular menstrual periods, bleeding after menopause, bleeding after sexual intercourse, etc)

• Feeling tired constantly

• Frequent urination

• Abdominal discomfort (feeling stuffed, swollen, bloated or heaviness in stomach)

• Diarrhea, or constipation

• Nausea

These symptoms can also be signs of other ill-health. It IS IMPORTANT TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR DIAGNOSIS IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS.

Uterine cancer, (also called cancer of the uterus, womb Cancer or endometrial cancer) is the cancer that attacks the linings of the womb or the muscles and other tissues that support the uterus.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of uterine cancer include: 

• Abnormal bleeding (between regular menstrual periods)

• Painful urination

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Pain in the pelvic area

• Mass in the pelvic area

These symptoms can be signs of other ill-health. It IS IMPORTANT TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR DIAGNOSIS IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS.

Vaginal cancer is the cancer that attacks the tissues of the vagina. It is most common in women of advanced age.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of vaginal cancer include:

• Abnormal bleeding (between regular menstrual periods)

• Abnormal  vaginal discharge (watery discharge)

• Painful urination

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Pain in the pelvic area

• Mass in the vagina

These symptoms can be signs of other ill-health. It IS IMPORTANT TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR DIAGNOSIS IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS.

Vulvar cancer (also called cancer of the vulva or vulval cancer) is the cancer that attacks the external female sex organs: the inner or outer lips, the clitoris, the pubic mount and the skin between the vagina and anus). Vulval cancer is more common in women who have gone through menopause, but it can affect women at any age.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of vulvar cancer include:

• Abnormal bleeding (not related to regular menstruation)

• Feeling constant itching, pain or burning

• Changes in skin color or vulva look

• Open sore that lasts for more than a month

• Mass in the vulvar area

These symptoms can be signs of other ill-health. It IS IMPORTANT TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR DIAGNOSIS IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS.

• Vaccinate against human papilloma virus (HPV)

• Use screening tests

• Be able to recognize the symptoms

• Avoid smoking

• Adhering to healthy lifestyle

• Do not hide your health related issues from your doctor