From feeling bloated to unexpected weight loss and unusual bleeding, a gynaecological health expert reveals the signs of five cancers you NEED to know
- A survey found that 1 in 3 people can’t name a single gynaecological cancer
- Valentina Milanova, founder of Daye, lists the five cancers and their symptoms
- Spotting between cycles, pelvic discomfort, and feeling the need to urgently pee can all be reasons to get yourself to the GP for a check up
There are some symptoms that women shouldn’t ignore – but do you know what they are?
A survey by The Eve Appeal, the UK’s leading gynaecological cancer research charity, found that one in three people can’t name a single gynaecological cancer and only two per cent can name all five.
Valentina Milanova, Founder of Daye, a gynae health company that is committed to raising the standards in gynae health, has outlined the five gynaecoloical cancers there are and what to look out for in each.
Valentina stated that the two most common symptoms of gynaecological cancers are abdominal bloating and spotting – bleeding outside of the time of your menstrual cycle.
She said: ‘Because bloating and spotting are both very common, individuals frequently miss out on the early signs of gynaecological cancers. This is why patients typically present late with cancer making the treatment harder and less likely to be successful.’
She provided the shocking statistic that only 20 per cent of people with ovarian cancer present themselves when they are at stage I or II.
Here, she outlines the five gynaecoloical cancers there are and what to look out for in each…
A survey found that 1 in 3 people can’t name a single gynaecological cancer. Valentina Milanova, founder of Daye, lists the five cancers and their symptoms that women should be aware of (stock photo)
OVARIAN CANCER
Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include lower abdomen swelling and bloating, feeling full quickly after eating and unexpected weight loss.
‘Other signs may include pelvic floor discomfort, which can be expressed as painful sex, painful urination or general pelvic pressure, change in the frequency or consistency of bowel movements and needing to pee more frequently than usual.’
VAGINAL CANCER
Valentina revealed that the common symptoms of vaginal cancer include unexpected vaginal bleeding, such as between cycles, after intercourse, and post-menopause.
She also said a lump in the vagina, which can be detected with home finger inspections, painful sex and painful or frequent urination, was another symptom.
CERVICAL CANCER
‘Similar to vaginal cancer, unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting between cycles, after intercourse or post-menopause and pain during intercourse are also symptoms of cervical cancer.
‘Other symptoms include a feeling of pressure in the pelvis and foul odour discharge.’
A survey by The Eve Appeal, the UK’s leading gynaecological cancer research charity, found that one in three people can’t name a single gynaecological cancer (stock photo)
UTERINE (OF THE WOMB) CANCER
Valentina said that symptoms of cancer of the womb can include irregular menstrual bleeding, including heavier, and irregular periods.
She also explained that difficulties with conception and unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting between cycles, after intercourse or post-menopause, could be a cause for concern.
VULVAR CANCER
‘Persistent itching of the vulva, swelling, pain and tenderness of the vulva or labia and vulvar ulcers are all symptoms of vulvar cancer.
‘Other symptoms include thickening or darkening of the skin and spotting between cycles and irregular vaginal bleeding.’
What are some warning signs of gynaecological cancer that women might be ignoring?
- Look out for painful urination and pain during intercourse.
- Another telling sign is feeling too full really quickly after having consumed less than a full plate of food.
- Bloating could be a sign of gynaecological cancer, but it could also be a sign of adenomyosis or endometriosis, so always consult your doctor if you experience severe abdominal bloating.
- Another symptom to pay attention to is the urgent need to urinate. This could be a sign of gynaecological cancer or a bladder infection – both of which need medical attention.
It is important to keep a period diary
Vaginal bleeding and bloating could be related to where you are in your monthly cycle, however, they could also be related to you showing symptoms of gynaecological cancers.
This is why it’s essential to keep a period diary – so you are able to quickly identify if your bloating and spotting has to do with your menstruation or with something more serious.
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