Gynaecological Cancers: 4 Things Every Woman Should Know Today

In India, conversations around cancer are becoming more common, and it’s not by chance. As our lifestyles change and life spans grow longer, cancer is emerging as a major public health problem. But gynaecological cancers often don’t get the same attention. Cancers that originate in a woman’s reproductive organs, with endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancers are the most common. While they are among the leading cancers affecting women, awareness remains limited.

Dr. Akhil Kapoor, Medical Oncologist at Tata Memorial Centre, Varanasi, shares four things you need to know:

a) Why gynaecological cancers need our attention now

Gynaecological cancers account for 15–30% of all cancers in women. Every year, around five lakh new gynaecological cancers are

diagnosed worldwide, with more than one lakh of these in India. Early detection, when the cancers are still localized, can save lives by allowing treatment at an early stage.

Due to lack of awareness and varied disease patterns, however, most women are diagnosed at advanced stages, which worsens prognosis and treatment outcomes. For example, when endometrial cancer is detected at an advanced stage, the chances of recovery drop significantly. Ovarian cancer, which often goes undetected until late, is the leading cause of death among gynaecological cancers. On the other hand, cervical cancer, when diagnosed early and managed effectively, is one of the most treatable forms of cancer.

Awareness and preventive measures, along with early detection, can save lives.

b) Lifestyle factors increase the risk

In India, the rise in endometrial cancer is closely linked to changing lifestyles and reproductive profiles of women.

The major cause of endometrial cancer is long-term exposure to estrogen. When estrogen is not balanced by other hormones, it can overstimulate the lining of the uterus, leading to cell changes that may develop into cancer. Hormonal and lifestyle factors play a key role here. For instance, excess fat tissue in obese people converts other hormones in the body into estrogen. In fact, nearly 80% of endometrial cancers are related to excess estrogen or lack of progesterone caused by obesity.

Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, along with regular check-ups, can help reduce risk.

c) Listening to your body’s quiet signals

It is important to know and understand the common complaints associated with ovarian and endometrial cancers. Ovarian cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear such as abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, weight loss, pelvic discomfort, fatigue, back pain, bowel changes, or frequent urination, they are often mistaken for other, more common conditions.

For endometrial cancer, early-stage symptoms may include abnormal bleeding in younger women and postmenopausal bleeding in older women. In later stages, symptoms may include pelvic pain, abdominal swelling, or unexplained weight loss. These signs can also be easily mistaken for less serious conditions.

That’s why it is important for women to pay attention to their bodies and know what is normal for them. Unusual vaginal bleeding should always be checked by a doctor. If other symptoms persist for two weeks or more, it’s best to seek medical advice. While these signs may be caused by many conditions, consulting a doctor ensures that something serious is not overlooked.

d) Early diagnosis and biomarker testing can change outcomes

Getting diagnosed early and undergoing the right tests can make a significant difference. Biomarker testing, in particular, can open new doors to treatment options with improved long-term outcomes. Treatment of gynaecological cancers is becoming more targeted with biomarker-directed therapy, which has been shown to improve results.

When it comes to gynaecological cancers, awareness is the first step. With timely action, more women can get diagnosed early and access effective treatment options. Speak to your doctor and know your risks.