Top 4 Most Common Gynecologic Cancers: How to Identify, Prevent & Treat

Gynecologic cancers can strike any woman-but having the right team at your side can help you minimize your risk and maximize your outcome.

Hoag Women's Health Institute and Hoag Family Cancer Institute work together to help women assess their personal risk, take prevention into their own hands, and offer latest treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, biologic and immune therapies, targeted personalized medicine, radiotherapy, and cutting-edge clinical trials to combat gynecologic cancers.

"Hoag treats more women experiencing gynecologic cancer than any other hospital in Orange County. Our unique multidisciplinary approach brings together a world-class team ensuring every woman's treatment is personalized, thorough, streamlined, and compassionate," says Tiffany Beck, MD, MPH, director of gynecologic oncology clinical trials and chair of the department of OB/GYN.

Dr. Beck shares the top four most common gynecologic cancers and what women should be aware of:

1. Endometrial Cancer - the most common gynecologic cancer with new diagnoses on the rise

Groups Most at Risk: Peri and postmenopausal women

Symptoms may include:

• Abnormal/heavy vaginal bleeding before menopause
• Any bleeding after menopause, even light spotting
• Pelvic pain

"Endometrial cancer is often highly treatable, with a five-year survival rate of nearly 82%, when diagnosed early enough or properly managed," Dr. Beck says. "It is important to work with your doctor to understand your risks."

2. Ovarian Cancer

Groups Most at Risk: Postmenopausal women or women with a family history of pelvic and breast cancers.

Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal-pelvic discomfort and bloating
• Loss of appetite or feeling full after only a few bites
• Bowel changes
• An increase in the size of your abdomen

"Identifying a woman's specific risk based on genetics and other factors empowers them to take the necessary steps to reduce not only their risk of developing cancer, but also to help keep entire families healthy," says Monica Levine, MD, gynecologic oncologist.

3. Cervical Cancer

Groups Most at Risk: Ages 30-40 and ages 70-80. Women who haven't had a well-woman exam for more than 5 years.

Symptoms can include:

• unusual vaginal bleeding
• changes to your vaginal discharge
• pain during sex or bleeding after
• pain in your lower back, pelvis, or lower abdomen

Prevention and early detection of this often-deadly cancer is paramount. Women should partner with their doctor to make sure their health screenings are up to date and to ask if they are eligible for cancer preventing vaccines.

"Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus, causes more than 90% of all cervical cancer cases. Vaccinating against the disease between the ages of 11 and 12 years is highly effective cancer prevention. But even a catch-up vaccination up to age 45 can be beneficial." Dr. Beck says. "Pap smears done regularly, along with vaccination, are the keys to prevention."

4. Vulvar and Vaginal Cancer

Groups Most at Risk: Age 65+

Vulvar cancer can be challenging to diagnose, as many women in the "at-risk" age group may no longer be receiving well-woman exams regularly.

Symptoms to watch for include:

• finding a lump in your vulva, the skin surrounding your vagina
• skin changes such as a rough patch, sores, or ulcers
• unexplained color changes or thickening in the skin of the vulva
• persistent itching
• pain or tenderness
• a change in discharge

"Vulvar and vaginal cancers can be caused by HPV or other vulvar skin disorders. If something has changed in the way you look or feel, it is important to have an exam, rather than to try and treat at home with over-the-counter creams." Dr. Beck says.

For patients who could benefit from surgical treatment, Hoag's Gynecologic Robotic Surgery Program is designated a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery (COERS) that offers the most advanced procedures available, and Hoag also offers access to innovative clinical trials.

"Hoag has the largest gynecologic oncology practice in Orange County. Our women-only infusion center is available to our patients who are going through treatment for gynecologic cancers, and due to Hoag's size and expertise, women can access the care they need quickly," says Alberto Mendivil, MD, director of gynecologic oncology clinical trials. "All women are at risk of developing gynecologic cancer. Hoag's dedication to lowering those risks and providing the most effective treatment options available is why more women trust us than anyone else."

Learn more about Hoag's gynecologic cancer program.