Women should be more aware of gynecologic cancers to safeguard their health

Beliot Daily News – When it comes to “female issues,” women need to be aware of signals their body may be sending. A condition as serious as a cancer of a woman's reproductive system cannot be ignored or treated by silence.

That's why it's important for all women to know about gynecologic cancers and how to protect their health. Knowledge of symptoms and early detection of cancer can lead to successful treatment and longer, healthier lives.

“Scheduling regular visits with your healthcare provider for gynecological exams is the first step to prevention,” states Dr. David Bhaskar, OB/GYN with Beloit Clinic and Beloit Memorial Hospital. “Women need to know the risks and symptoms of cancers of the reproductive system.”

“Cancer of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs,” Bhaskar explains.

An estimated 40,880 women will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer this year, and about 7,310 women will die from it.

Symptoms may include unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, pelvic pain or weight loss. There is no standard screening test to detect endometrial cancer at an early stage, so it is important to see a physician for pelvic exams and be honest about any changes.

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