Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month: What Every Woman Should Know

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, making it a good time to pause and ask: How much do you actually know about the cancers that can affect your reproductive health?

If the honest answer is “not much,” you are certainly not alone. Many women are familiar with breast cancer screening and know that cervical cancer screening is an important part of preventive care. However, the full picture of gynecologic cancer, including what types there are, what symptoms to watch for, and how you can reduce your risk, doesn’t always get the attention it deserves.

At Grace OB/GYN, we believe informed patients are empowered patients. So let’s talk about it.

There Are Five Main Types of Gynecologic Cancer

Gynecologic cancers are cancers that begin in a woman’s reproductive organs. There are five main types: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. Each is different in where it develops, its risk factors, and the symptoms it may cause.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus.

The reassuring news is that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. HPV vaccination can help prevent the HPV infections that can lead to cervical cancer, while regular cervical cancer screening can identify precancerous changes before they develop into cancer.

Your recommended screening schedule depends on your age, health history, and previous screening results, so talk with your provider about what is right for you.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries and can be difficult to detect in its early stages because its symptoms may be subtle and can overlap with common digestive or gynecologic concerns.

Symptoms may include persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain or pressure, changes in bowel or bladder habits, or feeling full unusually quickly when eating.

There is currently no recommended routine screening test for ovarian cancer for women who do not have symptoms and are not considered high risk. That’s why paying attention to changes in your body and talking with your provider when something feels persistently different is so important.

Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer, most commonly endometrial cancer, begins in the lining of the uterus. It is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States.

One of the encouraging things about uterine cancer is that it often causes symptoms early. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common warning sign. This may include bleeding after menopause or new, unusually heavy, prolonged, or irregular bleeding before menopause.

If you experience bleeding that is unusual for you, don’t assume it’s something you simply have to live with. Your healthcare provider can help determine what is causing it and whether further evaluation is needed.

Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer develops in the vagina and is rare. Some vaginal cancers are associated with HPV.

Possible symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding, abnormal discharge, pelvic discomfort, or pain, although these symptoms can have many causes that are not cancer.

There is no routine screening test for vaginal cancer in women who do not have symptoms, which makes it important to talk with your provider about any new or persistent changes.

Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer affects the external genital tissues. It can cause symptoms such as persistent itching, burning, soreness, skin changes, a lump, or a sore that does not heal.

Because there is no routine screening test for vulvar cancer, it is important to let your provider know about any persistent or unusual changes in the vulvar area.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Many of the symptoms associated with gynecologic cancers can also be caused by common, non-cancerous conditions. Experiencing one of these symptoms does not mean you have cancer.

However, new, persistent, or unusual symptoms deserve attention.

Talk with your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you
• Any bleeding after menopause
• New or unusually heavy, prolonged, or irregular periods
• Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain or pressure
• Persistent bloating
• Feeling full unusually quickly when eating
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Persistent vulvar itching, burning, soreness, or skin changes
• A sore, lump, or other change that does not heal

The most important thing is to know what is normal for your body and to speak up when something changes.

What Can You Actually Do?

Reading about different types of cancer can feel overwhelming, but our goal is not to scare you. Most women will never develop a gynecologic cancer. Instead, Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to focus on the things you can do to protect your health.

A few of the most important steps include:

Stay up to date with recommended cervical cancer screening. Your provider can help you understand whether you need a Pap test, HPV testing, or both based on your age and individual health history.

Ask about the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine helps protect against the types of HPV that can cause several cancers, including cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. If you have questions about whether vaccination is appropriate for you or your child, talk with your healthcare provider.

Know your body. Pay attention to changes in your bleeding patterns, pelvic health, and other symptoms. You don’t need to diagnose the problem yourself just let your provider know what you’ve noticed.

Keep up with your gynecologic care. Routine visits provide an opportunity to discuss your health history, review recommended screenings, address symptoms, and talk about any concerns you may have.

At Grace OB/GYN, we’re here to help you navigate all of it. Whether you have questions about cervical cancer screening, want to review your family history, or have noticed a symptom you’d like to discuss, we’re here to listen.

Know Your Family History

Family history can play an important role in understanding your risk for certain cancers.

Some gynecologic cancers, particularly ovarian cancer, may be more likely in women with a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer. Certain inherited genetic changes, including mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can also increase the risk of some cancers.

Having a family history does not mean you will develop cancer. However, if several relatives have had cancer, especially at younger ages or multiple cancers on the same side of your family, it’s important to share that information with your provider.

Your provider can help determine whether you may benefit from genetic counseling or additional risk assessment.

Trust Your Body. Trust Your Team.

You know your body better than anyone. If something feels different—whether your bleeding pattern has changed, you’ve been experiencing persistent pelvic discomfort, or you simply feel that something isn’t right—please don’t talk yourself out of making the call.

These symptoms are often caused by conditions that are not cancer. But you deserve to have your concerns heard and evaluated.

At Grace OB/GYN, we take the time to listen, answer your questions, and make sure you understand your options every step of the way. Our goal is to provide compassionate, personalized care that helps you feel informed and confident about your health.

If you’re due for your annual gynecologic visit or have a symptom you’d like to discuss, we’d love to hear from you.

Reach out to our Fort Worth or Granbury office or call 817.776.4722 to schedule an appointment.

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that knowledge, prevention, and early evaluation can make a meaningful difference. You don’t have to navigate your health alone—we’re here to help.