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September is Gynecologic Cancers Awareness Month.
This year, more than 116,000 women and people assigned female birth in the U.S. will be diagnosed with a type of gynecologic cancer. And an estimated 32,000 people will die from these diseases.
Gynecologic cancers start in the female reproductive system and anyone with reproductive organs can get them. Knowing the risk factors, signs and symptoms can help you catch cancer early and may save your life.
Take our quiz to see how much you know about gynecologic cancers and learn important information about screening and prevention.
1. Cancer of the vulva is a type of gynecologic cancer.
Correct
Incorrect
true. Your vulva is the outside part of your genitals and home to your clitoris. Cancer that starts in the vulva is called vulvar cancer. Symptoms can include itching or burning on the vulva, changes in the color, a rash, and pain when you pee or have sex. Vulvar cancer is rare, but talk to your healthcare provider if you notice anything off down there.
2. There are five main types of gynecologic cancer.
Correct
Incorrect
true. The five main types of gynecologic cancer are cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar. Abnormal vaginal bleeding (bleeding unusual for you or during menopause) is the most common sign of gynecologic cancer, but each cancer has different symptoms and risk factors.
3. Cervical cancer is the most common type of gynecologic cancer in the U.S.
Correct
Incorrect
false. Endometrial cancer, a type of uterine cancer, starts in the lining of the uterus and is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs. The American Cancer Society estimates more than 67,000 new cases of uterine cancer will be diagnosed this year. It’s most commonly found in postmenopausal women — 60 being the average age of diagnosis.
4. Cervical cancer is only gynecologic cancer that has screening tests to find it early.
Correct
Incorrect
true. The Pap test and HPV test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. The HPV test screens for the human papillomavirus that can cause cancer on the cervix. The Pap test looks for abnormal cells that might become cervical cancer if they’re not treated.
5. The HPV vaccine protects against three gynecological cancers.
Correct
Incorrect
true. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of human papillomavirus that cause cancer in the cervix, vagina and vulva. Note: If you haven’t had the HPV vaccine, some people can still get the vaccine up to age 45. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options.
6. Risk for gynecologic cancer decreases with age.
Correct
Incorrect
false. Risk for gynecologic cancer increases as you age. Screening for cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine are two ways to decrease the risk for gynecologic cancer. It’s important to know your risk factors, including your family history of cancer and to contact your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing any symptoms such as bloating, pain or bleeding that aren’t normal for you.
7. Ovarian cancer doesn’t show symptoms.
Correct
Incorrect
false. It’s true that ovarian cancer is known as a “silent killer” because it often doesn’t show symptoms in early stages — but there are symptoms to look out for. These can include: bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, problems eating or feeling full quickly, and having to pee a lot.
8. Birth control pills can help reduce the risk for certain gynecologic cancers.
Correct
Incorrect
true. Birth control pills can reduce the risk for endometrial and ovarian cancers. Research shows women who used oral contraceptives for at least five years had about a 50% lower risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to women who never took the pill. Of course, talk to your healthcare provider about your options and if birth control pills are a good choice for you.
This resource was created with support from Merck.
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