Cervical cancer is the most preventable gynaecological cancer, thanks to the national cervical screening program. However, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and vulvar cancer are often not detected until they have spread, making them more difficult to treat.
Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness and funding for research into gynaecological cancers, wants to see every woman be aware of the most common signs and symptoms.
Here the Foundation shares warning signs that could indicate symptoms of gynaecological cancer.
Nine warning signs of gynaecological cancer
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please see your doctor:
- abnormal or persistent vaginal bleeding – for example, bleeding after menopause, bleeding that is not part of menstrual periods, or bleeding after sex
- unusual vaginal discharge
- pain, pressure or discomfort in the abdomen
- weight loss
- swelling of the abdomen
- change in bowel or bladder habits
- pain during sex
- itching, burning or soreness in the pelvic region
- lumps, sores or wart-like growths
Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation is committed to raising awareness and funding for research into gynaecological cancers. The Foundation has raised over $2 million for research projects since its inception in 2012.
This year they will continue in their efforts, with the ‘Cherish Challenge’ set to take place this September, during Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month. The ‘Cherish Challenge’ will see a team of fundraisers scale Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro in a bid to raise further awareness and funds.
“We are proud to support the research community in their efforts to find new and improved treatments for gynaecological cancers,” says Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation Founder, Professor Andreas Obermair.
“We believe that by working together, we can make a real difference in the lives of women affected by these cancers.”
These include ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer (also referred to as uterine cancer), vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer.
