|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
| |
Don’t get scared—get smart! Learn more about cancers that affect women’s reproductive organs.
FACT: Cervical Cancer can impact a woman’s ability to have children and Cervical Cancer can be fatal if not treated
|
|
|
 |
Cervical Cancer forms in tissues of the cervix —the organ that connects the uterus and vagina |
|
 |
Normally Cervical Cancer develops slowly over time and women with precancerous cells may not have symptoms |
|
|
Cervical Cancer can be found with regular Pap smears—your ob/gyn can perform this test by scraping cells from the cervix |
|
|
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a necessary cause of Cervical Cancer and all women are at risk for developing it |
|
FACT: Women who have a close family history of ovarian cancer are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer
|
|
|
|
Ovarian cancer forms in tissues of the ovaries—a pair of organs in the female reproductive system |
|
|
The ovaries are located in the pelvis with one on each side of the uterus—each ovary is about the size and shape of a walnut |
|
FACT: Uterine cancer includes endometrial cancer, which is the most common gynecological cancer in the U.S. today
|
|
|
|
Uterine cancer forms in tissues of the uterus—the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows |
|
|
There are two types of uterine cancer |
|
|
Endometrial cancer begins in cells lining the uterus |
|
|
Uterine sarcoma is a rare cancer that begins in muscle or other tissues in the uterus |
|
FACT: Vaginal cancer is not common and when found in early stages, it can often be cured
|
|
|
|
Vaginal cancer forms in the vagina —the canal leading from the cervix (the opening of uterus) to the outside of the body |
|
|
At birth, a baby passes out of the body through the vagina, also called the birth canal |
|
|
A risk factor for age 60 or older |
|
FACT: Vulvar cancer is a rare disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the vulva —a woman's external genitalia
|
|
|
|
Vulvar cancer usually develops slowly over a period of years and possible signs include bleeding or itching |
|
|
The vulva includes the inner and outer lips of the vagina, the clitoris (sensitive tissue between the lips), and the opening of the vagina and its glands |
|
|
Vulvar cancer most often affects the outer vaginal lips and less often, the inner vaginal lips or the clitoris |
|
FACT: The more you understand about gynecological cancers, the better prepared you’ll be to have informed conversations with your doctor and do all you can to take care of yourself! |
|
|
Cervical Cancer Facts: Why They’re Worth Learning
