Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways:
- Regular gynecologic visits give you the opportunity to stay ahead of potential health concerns.
- A Pap smear is important, but it doesn’t screen for every gynecologic cancer.
- Unusual bleeding, persistent bloating, pelvic pressure, or changes to your vulvar skin deserve attention.
- We care about keeping you healthy, not just treating you when something goes wrong. That’s why preventive visits and honest conversations with your provider matter so much.
Every once in a while, your body does something that makes you stop and think: “Is this normal?”
Maybe your period suddenly changes. Maybe you’ve noticed bloating that doesn’t seem to go away. Maybe there’s bleeding when you weren’t expecting it, or a change that you can’t quite explain. Sometimes, these things are harmless. But sometimes, they’re your body’s way of telling you that it’s time for a checkup.
And that’s exactly why Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month matters.
We don’t want you to wait until something feels seriously wrong before you make an appointment. We care about your health before there is a problem. Preventive care gives you the opportunity to understand your body, stay up to date on recommended screenings, and catch potential concerns as early as possible.
There Isn’t Just One Type of Gynecologic Cancer
When we talk about gynecologic cancer, we’re actually talking about several different cancers that can affect the female reproductive system.
1. Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the gynecologic cancers we can actively screen for and help prevent. Pap tests, HPV testing, and HPV vaccination all play important roles in prevention and early detection.
2. Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer
One of the biggest signs to pay attention to is abnormal vaginal bleeding, including unusually heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or any bleeding after menopause
3. Ovarian Cancer
Can be harder to recognize because some of its symptoms can look like everyday digestive or hormonal issues. Pay attention to symptoms such as persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal discomfort, feeling full unusually quickly, or needing to urinate more frequently.
4. Vaginal Cancer
It is rare, but changes such as unusual bleeding, a lump, persistent pain, or unusual vaginal discharge should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
5. Vulvar Cancer
Affects the external genital area. Changes such as persistent itching, burning, skin color changes, sores, lumps, or unexpected bleeding shouldn’t be ignored.
This is one of the most important things we want you to know during Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month: A normal Pap smear does not mean every type of gynecologic cancer has been ruled out.
A Pap test specifically looks for abnormal cervical cells. It does not screen for ovarian, uterine, vaginal, or vulvar cancers. That’s why your overall gynecologic care matters.
Your Well-Woman Exam gives you an opportunity to talk with your provider about your periods, symptoms, sexual and reproductive health, family history, screenings, and any changes you’ve noticed.
We care about the whole picture. We don’t want you to feel like you’re simply coming in for a test, checking a box, and leaving. We want to know how you’re doing and make sure your preventive care fits you.
4 Ways to Be Proactive About Your Health
1. Know what’s normal for you.
You know your body better than anyone. Pay attention to changes in your periods, bleeding patterns, pelvic discomfort, bloating, discharge, or urinary and bowel habits.
If something feels different and doesn’t go away, let us know.
2. Don’t ignore unexpected bleeding.
Especially after menopause, any vaginal bleeding or spotting should be evaluated. Even if it happens only once, it’s worth mentioning to your provider.
3. Tell us about your family history.
Your family history can help your provider understand whether you may have an increased risk for certain gynecologic cancers. If close family members have had ovarian, uterine, breast, or related cancers, make sure we know.
4. Keep your preventive appointment.
This may be the simplest and most important step.
You don’t need to wait until you’re experiencing pain or have a symptom that worries you. Preventive care is about taking care of yourself while you’re feeling well, too.
We care about making preventive gynecologic care approachable, accessible, and comfortable. Whether you’re due for your annual Well-Woman Exam, need a Pap test, have noticed a change in your body, or simply aren’t sure what screenings you need at your age, we’re here to talk it through with you.
We accept Medicaid and most major insurance plans, and select locations offer Saturday appointments to make preventive care easier to fit into your life. Call or text our team at (407) 518-1074 to schedule your appointment at the local office nearest you.