February 4th is World Cancer Day. Unfortunately we still do not have prevention measures for all types of gynecological cancers, however in this article we want to inform about the most common early symptoms by category.
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Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sex, or after menopause)
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Unusual vaginal discharge (watery, bloody, or different smell/amount)
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Pelvic pain or pressure
By cancer type
Ovarian / fallopian tube / primary peritoneal cancer
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Persistent bloating / swollen tummy
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Pelvic or abdominal pain
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Feeling full quickly / loss of appetite
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Needing to pee more urgently or more often
Uterine (endometrial) cancer
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Unusual vaginal bleeding (especially postmenopausal bleeding)
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Spotting or abnormal discharge
Cervical cancer
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Bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause
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Unusual vaginal discharge (may be watery or blood-tinged)
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Pain during sex
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Pelvic pain
Vaginal cancer
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Vaginal bleeding or discharge
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Pelvic pain, especially with sex or urination
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Urinary or bowel changes (e.g., urgency/constipation)
Vulvar cancer
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Itching/burning that doesn’t go away
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Skin changes (color/thickening; rash- or wart-like areas)
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Sores/ulcers/lumps that don’t heal
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Bleeding not related to periods
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Pain/tenderness, sometimes pain with urination/sex
When to seek care sooner
Make an appointment promptly if you have:
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Any bleeding after menopause
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Bleeding after sex
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Persistent bloating/abdominal symptoms happening often and not improving
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A new vulvar sore/lump or itching that persists
If you tell me your age, whether you’re postmenopausal, and which symptoms you’re noticing (and for how long), I can help you decide what’s most important to mention to a doctor and what questions to ask.