- Abdominal discomfort or pain from gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating, or cramps
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Digestive issues like nausea, diarrhea or constipation
- Frequent urination
- Rectal bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
Understanding gynecologic cancer
Early Detection
Your best defense against cancer is to find it early when treatment is most effective. Gynecologic cancer comes in several forms. Each form of gynecologic cancer comes with its own symptoms, risk factors and treatment plans.
Cervical cancer is the only form of gynecologic cancer with a reliable screening test. Other forms of gynecologic cancer, like ovarian cancer, are much harder to detect. That’s why it’s vitally important to know the signs and symptoms and see your doctor regularly.
At Baptist MD Anderson, we’re committed to MD Anderson’s model of outstanding patient care, research, prevention and education. Our goal is to bring world-renowned cancer care to the Southeast and make cancer history.
Detecting cancer early
Gynecologic Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of gynecologic cancer vary. Some individuals may never experience any symptoms. Others have very vague symptoms that are difficult to pinpoint to a particular form of cancer. Keep in mind, some of these symptoms are also common in women who do not have cancer. See your doctor if you have the following symptoms on a daily basis for more than a few weeks:
Assessing your risk
What is a Risk Factor?
Risk factors are genes, lifestyle choices, conditions or exposures that may increase someone’s risk for developing cancer.
At Baptist MD Anderson, we offer genetic counseling services. Genetic counseling helps assess if you or your family have any inherited cancer syndromes or cancer predisposition. If you or your family have any of the following in you or your family’s medical history, we offer support. Our gynecologic cancer experts can provide your with a risk assessment and cancer prevention counseling.
General Risk Factors of Gynecologic Cancers
Here are a few common and general risk factors for gynecologic cancers:
- Persistent HPV infection
- Smoking
- Age (60+)
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Being overweight or obese
- Taking estrogen alone without progesterone
- Diabetes or high blood pressure
- Late menopause
- Family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer
- Infertility or not bearing children
- Having had breast cancer
Getting ahead of cervical cancer
Your Care Starts with Screening
Screening is your greatest weapon against cervical cancer. Screening improves your chances of finding cancer early when it is easier to treat. Cervical cancer is the only gynecologic cancer screening currently available. Make sure to schedule regular Pap test appointments to detect any changes in your health or detect early signs of cancer.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, we have you covered. We have nurse navigators available to guide you through every step of your care. Request an appointment or speak to a nurse navigator by phone or online.
Our Locations
Gynecologic Cancer Clinic
Within our specialized clinics we bring together our team of experts to care for you - mind, body and spirit. Each of our clinics are singularly focused on your specific needs and treatment.
Need Directions? The gynecologic cancer clinic is located in the following locations:
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