September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and physicians at Atrium Health Navicent encourage the community to talk to their health care providers about the most common types of gynecologic cancers as well as treatment options.
Gynecologic cancers are cancers of the female reproductive system, and all women are at risk for developing one of these cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2024 more than 108,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with a gynecological cancer, and more than 32,000 will die from gynecological cancer.
There are five main types of gynecological cancer – cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer, each with different signs and symptoms, as well as different risk factors.
“The best way to catch cancer early, and to give women their best chances of survival, is through annual gynecological exams and Pap smear tests,” said Dr. Joanna Ortega, an Atrium Health Navicent OB/GYN. “However, be sure to talk to your doctor right away if you notice any unusual symptoms such as bleeding or discharge, or pain or pressure in the pelvis. Each type of gynecological cancer has different symptoms, but the bottom line is that if you’re experiencing something abnormal for you, you should call your doctor right away.”
Screenings for the human papillomavirus (HPV) and Pap smear tests are available for cervical cancer. The HPV test looks for the virus, which can cause cell changes on the cervix. The Pap test looks for precancers, which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
According to the American Cancer Society, HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, and almost 37,000 men and women are diagnosed with HPV cancers in the United States every year. HPV is a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex.
A HPV vaccine is also available and recommended for children, young adults and some adults up to age 45. Studies have shown that giving the HPV vaccine to boys and girls ages 9 to 12 can prevent more than 90 percent of HPV cancers as children grow older. The vaccine is safe, effective and long lasting.
Atrium Health Navicent Women’s Care OB/GYN offers a wide range of gynecological services for patients ranging from teenagers through menopause. Appointments are available in Macon and Forsyth. To schedule an appointment, call 478- 633-1821. Gynecological exams are also available on-campus for students, faculty and staff at Central Georgia Technical College, Fort Valley State University and Clayton State University.
Atrium Health Peyton Anderson Cancer Center provides cancer treatment and survivorship services for patients diagnosed with a variety of cancers, including gynecological cancers. If you or a loved one has concerns about cancer risk factors, available screenings or cancer care, contact Atrium Health Navicent Peyton Anderson Cancer Center at 478-633- 3000. To find a doctor, visit www.NavicentHealth.org and click “Find A Doctor.”