September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month!

• What do you know about gynecological cancers?  
• Did you know that uterine cancer is the most common gynecological cancer? 
• Learn all about gynecological cancers for this Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month! 

September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. Gynecological cancer refers to cancers of the female reproductive organs. Gynecologic oncology is a specialized field of health and medicine that focuses on cancers of the female reproductive system.

Five main types of gynecological cancer are ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar.  

What is Gynecological Cancer?

Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in the female reproductive system. Gynecologic cancers can emerge in various regions of a woman’s pelvis. These types of cancers can often be under-reported and under-detected because of social stigma around women’s health and lack of access to health care services. 

What is Uterine Cancer?

The most common gynecological cancer in America is uterine cancer, cancer of the uterus. Signs and symptoms can include: 

• Irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge 
• Bleeding after sex 
• Pelvic pain or pressure
  

Despite its commonality, there is no single test to screen for uterine cancer. There is also no single cause for uterine cancer. Routine wellness exams can help detect early signs of uterine cancer.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

The second most common gynecological cancer in America is ovarian cancer, cancer of the ovaries. Ovarian cancer is also the most lethal of gynecological cancers. Signs and symptoms can include:  

• Irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge 
• Pelvic or back pain 
• Feeling full too quickly or difficulty eating 
• Changes in urinary or bowel movement habits
  

There is no single test to screen for ovarian cancer, and there is no single cause for ovarian cancer. Routine wellness exams can help detect early signs of ovarian cancer. 

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix.

Signs and symptoms can include:  

• Irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge 
• Bleeding after sex 
• Pelvic pain
  

Pap smears are the gold standard for screening for cervical changes, including cervical cancer, since they can detect the human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV causes almost all types of cervical cancer. The best way to prevent cervical cancer is to have the HPV vaccine. 

What Are Vulvar and Vaginal Cancers?

Vulvar and vaginal cancers are the least most common gynecological cancers. Signs and symptoms can include: 

• Irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge 
• Bleeding after sex 
• Pelvic pain or pressure
  

Like ovarian and uterine cancer, there is no single test to screen for vulvar or vaginal cancers. There is also no single cause for vulvar or vaginal cancers. Routine wellness exams can help detect early signs of vulvar and vaginal cancers. Some types of vulvar and vaginal cancers can be attributed to HPV, so getting the HPV vaccine is highly recommended.  

Nursing Role in Gynecological Health

It is important for health care professionals to ask themselves if they are comfortable talking about gynecological health concerns.  

Even in a health care setting, talking about urinary habits, pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, and more can be challenge. Nurses play a critical role in gynecological health concerns since they often provide extensive education to patients.  

Ways for nurses to take an active role in gynecological health awareness include:  

• Providing educational materials 
• Addressing any concerns patient’s have about their gynecological health  
• Offering HPV vaccinations 
• Reviewing patients’ health records  
• Discussing with nursing management on any gynecological health efforts at the workplace for both patients and staff

Some evidence-based organizations that can provide you with the latest information and patient education tools on gynecological health include:  

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 
• U.S. Office on Women’s Health 
• Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance 
• The Society of Gynecologic Oncology

The Bottom Line

September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. Often, there can be mixed messages people see on social media and from their community members regarding health.

Nurses are the most trusted profession for a reason. Patients often turn to nurses for medical information since there can be so many misconceptions about gynecological health.

It is also crucial for nurses to recognize that there are several reasons why someone would not want to discuss their gynecological health concerns. There are people who have had negative experiences with the health care system, people with cultural differences, and people who have religious beliefs who might not feel comfortable discussing their gynecological health concerns. 

By providing a safer space and having a non-judgmental approach, you can work to establish trust between yourself and the patient and provide as much health screening and information as possible.  

If you are intrigued about gynecological oncology or reproductive health, I would encourage you to look into the Oncology Nursing Society and the American Nurses Association.  

You can also learn about the importance of gynecological health by reading Gynecology Oncology or the Journal of Issues in Nursing. 

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