Gynaecological Cancers \ Symptoms & Risk Factors

Symptoms of Gynaecological Cancer

There are four main types of gynaecological cancer, all with differing symptoms.  You can find these symptoms listed below.

Remember: having these symptoms does not mean that you have or will get cancer, but it is important to consult your doctor.  You may like to print this page and take it with you. 

If you have already visited your GP and the symptoms continue or worsen, it is important to return and explain this to your doctor - you know your body better than anyone.

NOTE: Bleeding following the menopause is NOT normal and needs to be investigated.

Ovarian Cancer

If you have these symptoms, and if these symptoms have persisted (i.e. on most days, for two weeks or more)  you must see your doctor. Download this symptom diary to help record your symptoms. 

Most frequent symptoms:

• Persistent pelvic and abdominal pain
• Increased abdominal size / persistent bloating - not bloating that comes and goes
• Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly

 Sometimes you may experience these symtpoms on their own or at the same time:

• Change in bowel habits
• Extreme tiredness
• Urinary symptoms
• Back pain

Beat Ovarian Cancer

B is for Bloating (it is persistent and doesn't come and go)

E is for Eating (difficulty eating & feeling full more quickly)

A is for Abdominal (and pelvic pain you feel most days)

T is for Talking (tell your GP)

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Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer

If you have any one of these symptoms please see your doctor:

Abnormal bleeding:

• bleeding after the menopause
• bleeding between periods
• heavier periods than normal

Abnormal discharge:

• more than normal or strong smelling 

Cervical Cancer

If you have any one of these symptoms please see your doctor:

As with Uterine Cancer (above), plus:

• Painful sex
• Bleeding after sex 

Vulval Cancer

If you have any one of these symptoms please see your doctor:

•  Vulval itching, soreness
• Obvious change in colour of the vulval skin
• A noticeable lump

Once again: remember: having these symptoms does not mean that you have or will get cancer, but it is important to consult your doctor.  You may like to print this page and take it with you. 

If you have already visited your GP and the symptoms continue or worsen, it is important to return and explain this to your doctor - you know your body better than anyone.

NOTE: Bleeding following the menopause is NOT normal and needs to be investigated.

How to reduce the risk of Gynaecological Cancers

1. Reducing exposure to the HPV virus

Having safe sex (using condoms) with all sexual partners will reduce the risk of exposure to HPV.

 

Use of the HPV vaccine by girls before they become sexually active has been shown to protect them from HPV infection and help prevent vulval, vaginal and cervical cancers.

2. Be smokefree

Smoking increases the risk for cervical cancer in particular. Stopping now may start to reduce your risk and will help to improve your general health. www.quitsmoking.org.nz

3. A healthy diet and regular physical activity

Being overweight can increase the risk for some gynaecological cancers.

4. Cervical smear test (Pap test)

Having a three yearly cervical smear test from the age of 20, will help prevent cervical cancer.