The National Cancer Institute estimates that 106,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with a gynecological cancer, resulting in more than 32,000 deaths. September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, which focuses on helping women learn more about how they can prevent, identify, and get treatment resources for different types of reproductive cancer.  

What are Gynecologic Cancers?

Gynecologic cancers are cancers of the female reproductive system, but they differ in signs, symptoms and risk factors. What they do have in common is that the risk for each type of cancer increases with age. Here are some of the most common forms of gynecological cancer:

• Cervical. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is almost always to blame for cervical cancer, so regular testing for HPV or abnormal cells is important.
• Ovarian. Three adult ovarian cancer types are epithelial, germ cell tumors, and ovarian low malignant potential tumors.
• Uterine. Endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma are the two types of uterine cancer. The risk of endometrial cancer may increase with high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
• Vaginal. The two types of vaginal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma, which is more likely to spread to the lungs and lymph nodes and is more common in post-menopausal women. Being exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) – a synthetic form of estrogen – in the womb can increase the chances of getting a rare type of adenocarcinoma later on.

Is there a link between gynecologic cancers and breast cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, a woman who has breast cancer may be at a higher risk for getting other cancers, although most do not. Of those who do, they most commonly experience a second occurrence – not a reoccurrence – of breast cancer.

Some breast cancer treatments (such as tamoxifen) can increase the risk of obtaining other cancer types, including uterine or ovarian.

What can I do to reduce my risk of getting a gynecologic or breast cancer?

Regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle, especially diet, can help lower your chances of getting cancer and detect early signs for fast and effective treatment. Take advantage of your Transocean preventive care benefits, including free annual physicals and age-recommended well-woman screenings, and don’t forget to utilize 2nd.MD for any second opinions. For more information on women’s health and breast cancer, join this month’s webinar hosted by 2nd.MD on Thursday, October 19. See details in the “Upcoming October and November Webinars” section.