September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month

Each year, the month of September is both Gynecological Cancer

Awareness and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month to help educate women about these cancers. When you hear the word “cancer,” it’s scary because there is so much that is unknown. However, awareness and early detection are key success factors in the outcome of these cancers.There are five main types of cancer which affect a woman’s reproductive organs: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. Each gynecologic cancer is unique, with different signs, symptoms, and certain risk factors including heredity.All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers and that risk increases with age. The signs and symptoms are not the same for every woman. When gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment works best which is why it is important for women to pay attention to their own bodies and take note when something is not normal or seems out of the ordinary.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a symptoms diary that can help you keep track of any unusual symptoms you may experience so you can share this in detail with your healthcare provider. Please listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel normal for two weeks or longer, see your doctor.