Gynecologic Cancer Screenings & Exams
Gynaecological cancer screening
Many women may get this question in their minds – Is screening worth considering as a part of healthcare or is it just a casual part of a routine health check?
Let us try to understand why you must get cancer screening done.
Early Detection of Cancer
Do You Know it is possible to detect ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and cervical cancer early through scheduled screening procedures?
Researchers and scientists have not yet identified all the risk factors and causes for each type of cancer. Still, there are some types of cancers that can increase the risk – making screening worth considering says Dr. Geetha Nagasree.
For instance – ovarian and breast cancers in many cases have a strong genetic predisposition. Both these types of cancers, in addition to, Lynch syndrome increase the risk in women with a strong family history. Therefore, women who have a family history of these conditions must talk to their gynecologic oncologists to know about the ways including genetic screening to reduce the risk. Female oncologists recommend the following types of screening tests:
- Doctors’ examination
- Self-examinations
- Blood Tests
- Imaging tests
- Genetic Screenings
Types of Gynaecological Cancer Screening
There are three recommended types of gynecologic cancer screenings:
Cervical cancer screening – for this particular type of gynecologic cancer, oncologists highly recommend screening tests. Both Pap test (smear) and HPV test can help detect and prevent cervical cancer early. This test helps in detecting uterine cancer as well. Gynaecologic oncologists recommend this test every three years for women starting at age 21.
Pelvic exams should become a part of annual health checks for women. It should begin at age 21. These exams help in detecting abnormalities in the female reproductive system. During a pelvic examination, an experienced gynecologist examines the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum.
Endometrial and cervical tissue sample checks for malignant cancerous cell growth or to check the signs of cervical or uterine cancer. This is recommended for women with a high risk for endometrial cancer. This can be due to their inherent susceptibility to cervical or uterine cancer owing to their strong family history. These tests are recommended when a woman has symptoms that need to be evaluated.
What age is apt to start getting mammograms?
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, for breast cancer screening mammograms should start at age 40 in the absence of any family history. And for women with a strong family history of breast cancer routine mammograms should start at an early age.
Does getting screened significantly lower your risk of dying from cancer?
Obviously yes! If you go for gynaecological cancer screening, the possibility of detecting abnormalities in your reproductive organs becomes high. When an oncologist detects anomalies early, they recommend tests for cancer. Screening thus helps in detecting gynecologic cancer early when they are easy to treat.