Women especially need to be aware of any signs and symptoms their bodies may be exhibiting. Many types of gynecologic cancer produce symptoms early enough for them to be successfully treated. When the symptoms are ignored, the delay in treatment can prove to be fatal. Ladies, listen to your bodies! If you are experiencing something abnormal for you, see your doctor. Chances are the symptoms aren't cancer related, but it's better to be safe.
1) Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is characterized by pain or pressure below the navel. It is persistent and isn't limited to just premenstrual syndrome. Pelvic pain is associated with endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, fallopian tube cancer and vaginal cancer.
2) Abdominal Swelling and Bloating
Abdominal swelling and bloating is one of the more common symptoms of ovarian cancer. It is also a symptom that is most ignored. The bloating may be so bad that one can't button their pants, or even have to go up a size.
3) Persistent Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain occurs in the lower back and often feels like a dull ache. Some women describe it as feeling like labor pains. Lower back pain is a symptom of ovarian cancer.
4) Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom experienced by women when they have a gynecologic cancer. Heavy periods, bleeding between periods, and bleeding during and after sex are all considered abnormal vaginal bleeding and are symptoms of gynecologic cancer. The symptom of abnormal vaginal bleeding is linked to: cervical cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer.
5) Persistent Fever
A fever that does not go away or lasts for more than 7 days on and off should be reported to your doctor. A stubborn fever is often a symptom of cancer. Keep in mind that a fever is also a symptoms of many other benign conditions.
6) Persistent Stomach Upset or Bowel Changes
If you experience constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stools, gas, thinner stools, or just a general overall change in bowel habits, see your doctor. These changes are all symptoms of gynecologic cancer and colon cancer.
7) Unintentional Weight Loss
Losing 10 or more pounds without trying may be a nice surprise, but isn't quite normal. Although a woman's weight may fluctuate throughout the month, any thing 10 pounds or more should be reported to your doctor.
8) Vulva or Vaginal Abnormalities
With vulvar or vaginal abnormalities, you should be aware of any sores, blister, changes in skin color, and discharge. Women should exam their vulva and vagina regularly to look for these abnormalities.
9) Changes in the Breast
During the monthly breast self exam, women should look for lumps. soreness, nipple discharge, dimpling, redness, or swelling. Report any changes to your doctor as soon as possible.
10) Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most commonly experienced cancer symptom. It is usually more common when the cancer has advanced, but still occurs in the early stages. Any type of fatigue that prevents you from doing normal daily activities need to be evaluated by a doctor.
Prevention of Cancer
It is better to know some simple things which if we avoid would go a long way to prevent cancer attacking us.
Preventing cancer is not easier that either. We will be able to reduce our risk of developing many types of cancer by living a simple lifestyle.
1) Stop Smoking and beware of secondhand smoke.
People though know that cigarette smoking will lead to lung cancer, they still smoke. Smoking is the most significant risk factors for cancers, avoiding it we can reduce the risk of cancer. Smoking will increase the risk of being prone to many other cancers.
2) Do not expose yourself to sun.
It has now become common to get Skin cancer, this is especially found more in young people. It is good that we stay indoors during sun's i.e., from 11 A.M to 2 PM.
3) Eat more of fruits and vegetables.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, these help repair our damaged cells. Green vegetables and fruits like orange and yellow fruits are good antioxidants.
4) Be a vegetarian.
It is better that we become vegetarian since non-vegetarian foods contain high animal fat which can lead to the development of certain cancers. Smoked foods, salted fish and meat, and vegetable pickles increases our risk factor for cancer.
5) As non-smoking avoid drinking alcohol.
An easy way to get cancer is by Drinking excessively. Women who drink alcohol are more prone to cancer.
6) Maintain your body shape by exercising
People who have put up more fat and overweight are prone to being attacked by cancer cells. Exercising and maintaining a healthy body is the best bet and defence against cancer.
7) Cancer can be hereditary.
Some types of cancers are genetic. It is best to know your family history and accordingly you could take preventive care of cancer if somehow is having cancer in your family. By taking extra care and doing exercises you can help yourself from being prone to cancer. Avoid all that is said above like smoking, drinking so that you are not affected genetically by cancer. Genetic testing could also be done to find out if you carry a mutated gene that increases your risk factor for cancer.
8) Clean working atmosphere.
Working in a clean atmosphere devoid of fumes, dust, chemicals, etc could go a long way in being affected with cancer. You do have a right to know what you are being exposed to. Gasoline, diesel exhaust, arsenic, beryllium. vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, and chloromethyl ethers are all carcinogens and can be found in some work environments. Free yourself from these toxins.
9) Practice safe sex.
Unsafe sex can result in the infection of the HPV virus, a known cause for cervical cancer and a risk factor for many other cancers. HPV is a virus transmitted through sexual intercourse.
10) Have screening tests like the Pap, mammograms, and DREs.
Make sure you have regular screening tests like the Pap smear and mammogram if you are a woman, and a DRE (digital rectal exam) if you are a man. The Pap and DRE can detect cellular changes before they become cancerous, and the mammogram may be able to detect breast cancer early. A rectal exam should be part of a woman's yearly gyn exam.
