Know your normal: women urged not to ignore possible signs of gynaecological cancer

Women across Northern Ireland are being urged not to ignore unusual bleeding, persistent bloating, pelvic pain or other changes in their bodies which could be signs of gynaecological cancer.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued the reminder during Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, stressing that women of all ages can be affected and that finding cancer earlier can improve the chances of successful treatment.

Five main types of cancer affect the female reproductive system — ovarian, cervical, endometrial or womb, vulval and vaginal cancer — and the symptoms can vary considerably.

Dr Tracy Owen, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said embarrassment should never prevent someone from seeking medical advice.

“It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers, for women to notice changes in their bodies, and to speak to your GP if something doesn’t feel right. Talking about symptoms can feel embarrassing but it’s extremely important to talk to your GP and get the help you need.

“The earlier a cancer is picked up, the easier it is to treat it and the more likely it is to be successful.”

Ovarian cancer: symptoms to know

Ovarian cancer is more common among women who have been through the menopause, particularly those aged over 50, although younger women can also develop the disease.

The PHA says women should be alert to persistent pelvic or abdominal pain and an increase in abdominal size or persistent bloating — rather than bloating which comes and goes.

Other possible symptoms include:

• difficulty eating or feeling full quickly;

• needing to urinate more urgently or more frequently than usual;

• changes in bowel habits;

• extreme fatigue;

• unexplained weight loss; and

• vaginal bleeding after the menopause.

Cervical cancer and screening

Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is extremely common, with around eight in 10 people contracting it at some point in their lives. In most cases the body’s immune system clears the virus without it causing problems, but some infections can persist.

Northern Ireland uses both HPV vaccination and cervical screening to help reduce cervical cancer.

The HPV vaccine provides protection against HPV infection and associated cancers, including more than 90% of cervical cancers in women.

Cervical screening is available to women aged 25 to 64. It is offered every three years for those aged 25 to 49 and every five years between the ages of 50 and 64.

However, the PHA has stressed that screening is intended for women who do not have symptoms. Anyone experiencing possible signs of cervical cancer should contact their GP rather than waiting for their next screening invitation or appointment.

Possible symptoms include:

• vaginal bleeding after sex, between periods or after the menopause;

• vaginal discharge which is not normal for you;

• persistent back or abdominal pain; and

• pain during sex.

Cervical screening also does not test for other types of cancer.

Womb cancer: abnormal bleeding is key warning sign

Endometrial cancer — also known as womb or uterine cancer — is the most commonly occurring cancer of the female reproductive system and the fourth most common cancer affecting women.

Most cases develop in women in their 50s or 60s.

The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This can include bleeding between periods or after sex, periods which are heavier than usual, or any vaginal bleeding after the menopause.

Other early symptoms can include pain during or after sex, vaginal discharge and lower abdominal pain.

At a more advanced stage, symptoms can include pain in the back, legs or pelvis, loss of appetite, tiredness and nausea.

Vulval and vaginal cancers

Possible signs of vulval cancer include a lump, sore, growth or ulcer; unexplained bleeding or blood-stained discharge; persistent itching; changes to the skin such as red, white or dark patches; a mole changing shape or colour; or a burning pain when urinating.

Vaginal cancer is rare and is most common among women aged 75 and over. It is nearly always caused by infection with certain types of HPV.

Symptoms can include a lump in the vagina, ulcers or other skin changes in or around the vagina, bleeding after the menopause or after sex, pain during sex, unusual discharge, bleeding between periods, persistent itching or changes in urination.

‘Very important to contact your GP’

Many of these symptoms can have causes other than cancer, but the PHA’s message is that women should not attempt to diagnose the cause themselves or put off seeking advice when something has changed.

Dr Owen said:

“If you do experience any of these symptoms, it may not be anything serious, but it’s very important to contact your GP because finding cancer early improves the chances of successful treatment.”

More information about the signs and symptoms of cancer is available at: www.BeCancerAwareNI.info