A doctor has issued a warning about six red flags among women that could be early signs of gynaecological cancer.
With a new report suggesting that a third of women avoid going to a doctor due to anxiety and embarrassment, gynaecologist Dr Tania Adib expressed the importance of getting concerns checked sooner rather than later.
She explains: “As women, we are often socialised to put up with discomfort and difficult symptoms. Historically, women’s health has not been taken seriously and it should be.” The expert added to Bella Magazine that symptoms can usually be treated and managed in the majority of cases, but “while serious conditions such as cancer may be rare, they do need to be discounted”.
Dr Adib went on to underline the six symptoms people should watch out for.
Painful sex and pelvic discomfort
Almost one-in-10 women experience painful sex and chronic pelvic pain. Tania says there are many causes to the problem, from endometriosis to fibroids and potentially Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), an infection that occurs in your uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. PID can be treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it can cause scar tissue and potential permanent damage. On rarer occasions, it can be a symptom of ovarian cancer.
Many young women can also have cysts on their ovaries, which are non-cancerous but could still cause pain. Tania shares: “Pelvic pain isn’t normal and there are lots of very effective treatments, so women really shouldn’t be putting up with this type of discomfort.”
Lumps and bumps
According to Tania, lumps and bumps around the vulva area are quite common. While they’re unlikely to be cancerous, she suggests getting them checked out by a doctor.
If the bump is a fluid-filled sac inside the opening of the vagina, it’s likely to be Bartholin’s cyst, which can be treated with antibiotics. Should it become more painful, enlarged or become infected, surgery may be the answer.
Additionally, another common lump is an internal egg-like lump at the beginning of the entrance to the vagina. This is caused by a prolapsed uterus and can be helped by lifestyle changes, pessaries or surgery. Again, doctor’s advice is recommended for any concerns.
Unexplained bleeding
Bleeding after the menopause should be investigated, the consultant gynaecologist stresses. While most cases won’t be cancer, it’s important to exclude it to and look further into the cause.
Tania says that the common exception to bleeding is if you are recently menopausal and have just started on HRT. If this isn’t the case for you, you need to be examined. For unexplained bleeding in younger women, causes could be cervical ectropion, usually triggered by being on the contraceptive pill. Additionally, bleeding could be caused by a polyp on the cervix or a sexually transmitted infection.
Unusual discharge
Discharge is normal and usually there there isn’t a concern. Should your discharge be yellow, greenish in colour or bloodstained or if there’s an unpleasant odour, the expert suggests being examined.
She says: “Vaginal discharge can vary between thin and sticky to thicker with an elastic texture, and it’s completely normal.” The gynaecologist does warn however that if you find yourself itching and there is a curd-like consistency to the discharge, this could be a yeast infection.”
Persistent itching
Three quarters of women will experience vaginal thrush at some point in their lives. For those who have it persistently, Dr Adib says this could indicate a weakened immune system.
There’s also a possibility that this can be mistaken for thrush, so therefore you need to be swabbed to find out the real cause. If menopausal, feeling itchy can indicate Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) which can cause burning or discomfort, due to vaginal dryness.
She says this could also cause urinary tract infections and painful sex, although taking HRT can help with these symptoms, as can non-hormonal treatment such as laser or radio frequency.
Bloating
If you suffer from bloating outside of your menstrual cycle or after a heavy meal, medical advice is needed. Tania says it’s important to investigate symptoms of persistent bloating incase it’s something serious.
If you experience bloating that comes and goes during the day, it could be bowel related. More seriously, bloating is also one of the possible symptoms of ovarian cancer, as can be pain, indigestion and needing to urinate more.
If ovarian cancer is caught early enough, it’s 90 per cent curable, according to Tania. If concerned, seek medical advice as early as possible.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
