Podcast Outspoken Beauty - Let's Talk Vulvas and Vaginas

Podcast Outspoken Beauty - Let's Talk Vulvas and Vaginas

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, and we want to take this opportunity to raise awareness about these types of cancer. Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in a woman's reproductive organs. There are 5 different types, and they are:

1. Cervical Cancer

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the most common cause of cervical cancer.

Symptoms include:

  • Pain during intercourse
  • Bleeding after intercourse
  • Blood-tinged discharge
  • Bleeding between periods

Note: Going in for regular Pap smears might not sound like fun, but it's extremely important, since they help detect early stages of cervical cancer.

2. UTERINE CANCER

Uterine cancer begins in the lining of the uterus. It's the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs. The exact causes of this type of cancer are still unknown.

Common symptoms may include:

  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Pelvic pain

Note: This is the fourth most common cancer in women, after breast, lung, and colorectal cancer.

3. OVARIAN CANCER

The ovaries are roughly the size of an almond and produce eggs as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect because of its vague symptoms, which aren't always obvious. The symptoms are nonspecific and can be mistaken for more common conditions like constipation or back pain.

Common symptoms include:

  • Bloating
  • Feeling full quickly when eating
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain
  • Changes in bowel habits

Note: Heredity is the single biggest risk factor, accounting for 20% of all cases.

4. VAGINAL CANCER

Vaginal cancer is a rare form of gynecologic cancer that usually develops in the cells of the vaginal wall.

The most common symptoms include:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding, for example after intercourse or after menopause
  • A lump in the vagina
  • Foul-smelling or blood-tinged discharge

Note: More than half of all vaginal cancer cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

5. VULVAR CANCER

Vulvar cancer develops in the vulva — the area including the outer and inner labia and the perineum (the area between the vaginal opening and the anus).

Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent itching that doesn't go away
  • Pain or tenderness in the vulva
  • Skin changes, such as thickening of the skin
  • A lump or sore on the vulva

Note: The cause of vulvar cancer is still unknown, but some risk factors include advancing age, HPV exposure, and smoking.

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