On the contrary, some neglected symptoms in women's cancers, which are the most common after breast cancer in our country, are of vital importance. Acıbadem University Faculty of Medicine Head of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department and Acıbadem Maslak Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics, Gynecological Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Mete Güngör stated that the most common female genital cancers are uterine, cervical and ovarian cancers and said, “Every year, more than one million women in the world encounter gynecological cancer.
In our country, approximately 5 thousand women are diagnosed with uterine cancer, approximately 3 thousand women with ovarian cancer, and 1.500 women with cervical cancer every year. However, since these cancers progress insidiously without showing symptoms, many people unfortunately reach an advanced stage because they do not have regular check-ups either out of fear or negligence. However, fatal female cancers can be treated if detected early with regular routine checkups and tests. Since there is almost no public awareness of gynecological cancers, the attention of the society is drawn to gynecological cancers every year in September in order to raise awareness all over the world. prof. Dr. Mete Güngör, in his statement within the scope of Gynecological Cancers Awareness Month in September, explained the symptoms of the three most common female cancers that cannot be neglected, and made important warnings and suggestions.
1. Uterine Cancer (Endometrial Cancer)
The risk of uterine cancer, which is among the most common cancers in women, increases during menopause. Stating that uterine cancer, which originates from the cells of the layer lining the uterus, can usually be detected at an early stage, Prof. Dr. Mete Güngör says, "Because it often gives symptoms in the form of vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause." prof. Dr. Mete Güngör talks about the factors that increase the risk of uterine cancer: “If the menstrual period starts before the age of 12 or the menopause occurs at a late age, the more estrogen hormone is exposed and this increases the risk. Excess weight also increases estrogen in the body and puts it in the risk group for uterine cancer. Obese women are three times more likely to have uterine cancer. A fatty diet, never getting pregnant, menstrual irregularity, diabetes, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and estrogen therapy alone without progesterone hormone at menopause also increase the risk.
Watch out for these symptoms!
Since uterine cancer shows signs with the most bleeding, women should be very careful about even the smallest bleeding or even spotting after menopause and should see a specialist immediately. Excessive and prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, abnormal bloody discharge and weight loss are also the main symptoms of uterine cancer.
2. Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer often mimics the symptoms of many diseases such as digestive system and bladder problems. For this reason, the diagnosis is mostly made at a late and advanced stage. Stating that there is no method to detect ovarian cancer beforehand, the diagnosis was made by chance during routine gynecological examinations. Dr. Mete Güngör says, "Women should have a routine gynecological examination and pelvic ultrasound at least once a year." Inherited gene mutations, family history of ovarian cancer, a previous cancer diagnosis, increasing age, and never being pregnant increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
Watch out for these symptoms!
Feeling of pressure and bloating in the abdomen, fullness or pain in the groin, prolonged indigestion, gas or nausea, changes in bowel habits (constipation), bleeding irregularity, changes in bladder habits including the need to urinate frequently, loss of appetite or feeling full quickly, vaginal bleeding Stating that problems such as weight loss and ovarian cancer are among the symptoms, Prof. Dr. Mete Gungor; He emphasizes that if there is one or more of these complaints, he should not neglect it and see a doctor and have the necessary examinations done.
3. Cervical cancer
Stating that it is possible to prevent cervical cancer, which is the second most common type of cancer in women under the age of 45 worldwide, with vaccines, Prof. Dr. Mete Güngör “Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) types 72 and 75 are responsible for 16-18 percent of cervical cancer. Since HPV is a very common and sexually transmitted virus, vaccines developed against these types provide great protection. Starting sexual intercourse at a young age, multiple partners, smoking, unhealthy diet, having a health problem that will affect the immune system, long-term use of birth control pills and giving birth to more than three increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Watch out for these symptoms!
Emphasizing that cervical cancer is the only type of cancer that does not usually show symptoms at an early stage but can be prevented by regular screening among female cancers, Prof. Dr. Mete Gungor; For this reason, she emphasizes that it is vital for every woman to have a regular examination even if she has no complaints and to have a Pap Smear test at the latest every 21 years starting from the age of 3. prof. Dr. Mete Güngör “If one or more of these complaints are present, see a doctor immediately because abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain or bleeding during or after sexual intercourse, abnormal watery, smelly and bloody discharge from the vagina, blood stains or light bleeding outside the normal menstrual period are signs of advanced stage cervical cancer. It has to be seen,” he says.
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