Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and was responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Globally, about 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer.
Cancers related to the organs of reproduction are categorized as reproductive cancers. The most common reproductive cancers found in women are associated with the cervix that extends from the lower end of the uterus to the vagina.
Ovarian cancer affects the ovaries – the two organs that make female hormones and produce eggs for fertilisation.
While uterine cancer impacts uterus (womb), the organ where the baby grows when a woman becomes pregnant, vaginal cancer affects the vagina, the hollow channel that leads from the uterus and cervix to the body outside.
Vulvar cancer is found in vulva, the area around the opening of the vagina.
Breast cancer is sometimes considered as a reproductive cancer and it impacts the tissues of the breast.
Symptoms of these types of cancers
For survival, it is important to recognise the symptoms early and get immediate support from healthcare provider.
A lump in the breast may set the alarm bell ringing for breast cancer arrival.
Even fluid coming out of the nipple, especially if it is bloody or changes to the skin of the breast or around the nipples, are the dangerous signs of cancer.
Cervical bleeding, bleeding after sex and discharge from the vagina that is not normal, demand careful examination.
Pressure or pain in the pelvic area, or the abdomen (belly) or back need to be examined.
Other signs include bloating or feeling full quickly while eating, changes in bathroom habits (constipation, blood in the urine or stool), uterine bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is not normal, pressure or pain in the pelvic area, bleeding after menopause, vaginal bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is not normal.
Other symptoms are vulvar itching, bleeding, burning, a rash or sores around the opening of the vagina that does not go away and changes in the colour of the skin around the vagina opening.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is a chance that something will harm or affect a person’s health. There are different risk factors that can increase the chances of developing female reproductive cancers. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will develop cancer. Some risk factors cannot be changed, such as age, family history, and genetic makeup, while others are related to factors in the environment that may cause cancer.
Some risk factors can be changed by practising healthy habits.
There are certain risk factors associated with each type of female reproductive cancers.
Cancer types and risk factors
Breast cancer: Being 55 years old or more or someone in the family had breast cancer (for example, mother or a sister) or smoking and drinking alcohol.
Cervical cancer: Those addicted to smoking or suffering from HIV or a weak immune system and the persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV).
Ovarian cancer: This is common among females aged 40 years or above. More prone are people if someone in the family is having or had cancer of the ovary, breast, or colon. Women who have not given birth or are of East European or Jewish descent have a higher probability of contracting this type of cancer.
Uterine cancer affects women aged 50 or above. Being overweight is also a dangerous sign or suffering from vaginal & vulvar HPV. Smoking or a weak immune system multiplies the chances of contracting cancer.
Dr. Rupashree Dasgupta, Senior Gynaecologist and Gynaecological Oncosurgeon, Peerless Hospital, Kolkata.
