Gynecologic Cancer Cheat Sheet
In the United States, more than 83,000 patients are diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer annually. The three most common,gynecologic cancers are uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancer. Each cancer may have a variety of symptoms and associated risk factors that may include:
Risk Factors:
- I am not getting screened regularly with a Pap test
- I am at high-risk for human papillomaviruses (HPV)
- I smoke
- I am very overweight
- I eat a diet high in fat.
- I am a woman older than age 60
- I started menstruating at an early age—before age 12
- I take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs
Warning Symptoms:
- Indigestion, heartburn, nausea, or gas
- Abdominal swelling or discomfort
- Pelvic pain or cramping
- Bloating or a sense of fullness, even after small meals
- Backache
- Painful, frequent, or burning urination with no infection
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss or gain
- Vaginal bleeding or irregular periods
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge after menopause
- Pain during intercourse
These symptoms can often be similar to other diseases and conditions. However, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor right away. You should discuss which of the following diagnostic tools are appropriate for you: PAP Test, CA 125 Blood Test, Trans-vaginal Ultrasound, Biopsy.
Contact The National Women’s Health Information Center for information on health insurance coverage or free clinics. Visit www.womenshealth.gov or call 1-800-994-9662.
Remember, early detection equals survival!
This information was provided by the American Cancer Society and The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation.
This information was reviewed by the Cancer Schmancer Medical Advisory Board.
Last updated: August 2010
Comments
I HAVE SURVIVED!!!!
I am almost 2 yrs since my diagnosis and feel wonderful. I can now look back and remember times when I just thought age was catching up with me, but instead it was uterine cancer. Fortunately, I'm past menopause (age 55) which caused the growth of the cancer to be slower than if I were still having cycles. I had a complete hysterctomy and was diagnosed at stage 1c!!!! At this stage, surgery is done and the need for further treatment is not likely - how easy is that to be cured from cancer!!!!!
Women - listen to your body, don't try to self diagnos or worse yet, ignore symptoms, and press your doctor for tests that can rule out the worst case scenerio rather than try to treat symptoms. My gyno was wonderful and began testing immediately rather than trying one "cure" after another to fix the problem.
I have my life back and I have my life forward -- I HAVE SURVIVED!!!!
The organization
Thank you Ms. Drescher for having the will and courage to form your organization to help others. I too am concerned about these symtoms, but so far, no clear diagnosis has been made. I don't know how often you have the opportunity to read the message board, but hope you are encouraged by what you see here. If I could add anything, (and perhaps this already exists and I didn't see it), it would be a network of informational services for different areas of the country for those women definitive diagnoses when traditional testing have failed. If anyone reading these posts has information they can share, no matter where they are, about clinics, services, medical coverage and so on please post it. God bless you Ms. Drescher and all of you out there!
Sincerely,
Dr. Susan Peterson (PhD-not MD)
What is "early detection"?
Diagnosed in December, bleeding since August...quicky sonogram says uterine lining is at 3.3cm won't get formal sonogram til the 26th...won't actually see an oncologist til Jan 31st.... thats not when I get surgery thats when I get to SEE an oncologist. Why the delays if early treatment means cure?
Very frustrated and scared.
Thank You Fran
I have been too busy to acknowlegde that there is something not right with me. Between work and the kids. I just saw you on The Balancing Act this morning and its time to make the doctors appointment that is for me, not for everyone else in the family. Thanks for the empowerment.
Last Post
In reply to the last post. You can see if your state offers adult medicaid. If not, you can see if there is a hospital in your state that will base pay on income. I know that in Missouri is a place called Ellis Fishel that will see patients regardless of ability to pay. However, I think you have to be a Missouri resident in order to go there. In Arkansas is UAMS, a teaching hospital that will base pay on income. They have a women's clinic, but appts. are scheduled months in advance. I don't know where you live, but you could ask around and see if such a place exists in your state. Good luck!
RE: Endometrium Cancer
Most states do offer temporary medical assistance insurance if you have been diagnosed with a particular medical problem that needs tobe addressed and you are not working but able to work. (You can not be unable to work). Contact the county welfare office where you live and should be able to help you. I am in Pennsylvania and I know that it would work for you here. The clinic where you were seen will be able to fill out the papers documenting your medical problem. I hope this helps. God bless!
Endometrium Cancer
Hello - I think it was fate that led me to this board. I never watch Entertainment Tonight, but I put it on about a week ago, and there was Fran talking about Cancer Schmancer. I read her story, it reads like mine. Though I think I had the beginings of this 7 years ago. I hope it's not too late for me... I am 53 and long Divorced, haven't been through meno yet. 7 years ago I was bleeding uncontrollably. They did a D&C, gave me two transfusions, and eventually it stopped. I had heavy periods with cramps for the next 7 years, but everyone kept telling me it's the beginings of menopause, so I didn't pay much attention. Then my Company closed down our division. I cannot get a job anywhere. I paid into COBRA till that ran out. I have still only been able to get temp jobs, nobody is hiring! I now have NO health insurance, and wouldn't you know, now I'm bleeding out of control again! Went to a clinic, they scraped in office, said I have complex hyperplasia. B/f my COBRA ran out, I had a uterine ablasion...WHICH MADE IT WORSE! CRAMPING AND PAIN, CLOTS, ANEMIA! Oh my God how I have been suffering! When I went to this clinic, I could barely walk without getting out of breath. Well, they did a D&C, lab reports said "Spots of complex hyperplasia, cannot rule out CANCER!" They told me I have to get my defunct uteri out TOOT SUITE! BUT>>>> THEY CANNOT DO IT THERE! THEY ONLY DO DAY SURGERIES AND LIGHT STUFF! So, here I am, now I'm getting pains on both sides where my ovaries are, getting sharp pains up my vag, heavy bleeding again, and they cannot help me. NOBODY can help me without Health Insurance. I thought I could take a job quickly to get health Insurance, something, anything, just to get that Insurance, but those jobs don't even offer Insurance anymore! All companies are cutting back, not offering Health Insurance. Can anyone help me? I know, the Hospitals around here offer Charity Care, but that doesn't cover the cost of the Physician who does the operation. And they charge THOUSANDS! Please help, I'm thinking of moving to Canada.. can't be any worse than here. What did I do for a living before I started circling the drain? I worked in Umbilical cord stem cell banking for a prestigious company... now I get more symtoms every day, urinary track problems, bloating, pain pain pain... I never thought this would happen to me. I always paid into my Health Insurance all my life. Now when I need it? It's gone.
Educating woman in my county
My daughter age 53 died two months ago tomorrow. She was diagnosed in January of this year and underwent radical chemo for 6 treatments. She was in stage 4 when diagnosed. To prevent woman not to have to go through what she had to I need to make uterine,ovarian, and cervical cancer on woman and help them to know the subtle symptoms so they can get the necesarry tests to see what they mean. Thanks
Thank you!!!!! :)
You are an inspiration to women everywhere. I admire you so much for what your doing. Uterine cancer runs in my my family both of my aunts are surviors. This website has made it easier for me and women all around the world to know what to look for and to know if they need to go to the doctor or not. Im only 15 and all i can think is you can never be to careful. Thank you you are a great women and an insperation to women everywhere. -Alexandria
Fighting for an answer ♥.
Tonight was the first time I have ever read such a clear description - I'm 19 years old and I've been trying to find out for 3 years why I have been feeling the way I do. I have all of the above 'warning' symptoms, except for the burning during urination. I live in a small town - down here, they only diagnose you for cold and flus - in other words, anything 'bigger' or more serious, is not considered - they just send you home with nice list of prescription pain killers. I've had series of tests - they all end up with 'not sure what's the problem'.
Women shouldn't need to suffer like this. It's really hard. Word of advice? Seek a second opinion..and a third, fourth, fifth, etc.. - no matter how long it takes, no doctor should send you away with no answer, if you are experiencing pain. Regular pain is not normal - our bodies use pain to tell us and bring to our attention that 'something is not right; or isn't working they way it should be'.
Women who are suffering - I know it's hard, but please, don't give up. Listen to your body, and keep seeking advice. And ladies, by the way, you're not crazy - the pain you are experiencing; it's not all in your head.
This is an amazing organisation. Ladies, you are doing a great job :)
'When one door closes.. Another opens'
Always keep having Faith. Because, you will find your answer.
ITS NOT THE BUG!
Thank you "fighting for an answer"...I am 37 and I have had some of the same symptoms.. I got sick about 4 years ago and no one can tell me what is wrong..When I was working and had insurence I went to all the doctors and because they couldnt find the problem...they said I had IBS...I was so sick I had to quit my job and now I have no insures...After 4 year of suffering...im still no better than I was on the first day....I have gone to hospitals...but they tell me I have the bug and and give me lots of medicine and send me home... ITS NOT THE BUG!!!!!
When I read the part where you say "its not in your head".. I laughed... I have been told that more than once...I know that when im @ home and the nausea is so bad that im crying on floor thats not in my head...
When I cant eat and loose 10 pounds..that might sound great to some people but when you only weight 105 on a good day and you drop 10 thats a big deal....
I just pray to God for an answer soon....