Health Center - Reproductive and Pelvic Health
No matter your age, the health of your reproductive and urinary organs—your pelvic organs—is important. If something goes wrong "down there," it affects your overall health and quality of life. Get answers to all of your most pressing questions and put an end to embarrassing symptoms.
Preventing and Coping with Gynecologic Cancer
by Pamela M. Peeke, MD, MPH
Reading about gynecologic cancer is enough to send shivers down any woman's spine.
For we define much of our womanhood through our reproductive organs, not only on a physiological basis, for example, our ovaries produce estrogen, but also in an emotional way, particularly when it comes to our womb.
But you are not powerless against these cancers. As with every type of cancer, certain lifestyle practices may help protect you. For instance, since the human papilloma virus (HPV) causes more than 90 percent of cervical cancers, and since the virus is primarily contracted through sexual intercourse, monogamy and practicing safe sex by using condoms can help reduce your risk of contracting the virus in the first place.
There is also some evidence that cigarette smoking-even exposure to secondhand smoke could contribute to cervical cancer. Yet another reason not to smoke or to quit ASAP!
With any cancer, particularly ovarian and endometrial, it is critical that you know your family history. Don't just rely on what mom tells you, however.
If you recall several female relatives dying of "stomach problems," dig deeper. Check the death certificate or even medical records to see if those problems might actually have been a gynecologic cancer.
Other things you can do to reduce your risk:
Lose weight. Obesity is the leading cause of endometrial cancer. So, make weight management a priority.
Take birth control pills. Numerous studies find they can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer, probably by limiting the number of times you ovulate throughout your lifetime.
