Cancer Screening

What is cancer screening?

Cancer screening is a procedure to look for cancer or abnormal cells in a patient before the symptoms occur. The screening is done as a preventive measure to detect any abnormal cell growth that may turn into cancer eventually.

Cancer screening is done in healthy people generally with no signs or symptoms. The main aim of cancer screening is to detect cancer in the precancer or in the initial stage to treat it effectively. There are different methods to screen and detect several cancers in the early stages.

Regular cancer screening tests have shown positive results in preventing cancer and decreasing death rates from cancer. The general population, along with people with high risk, should consider screening to stay aware.

Everything You Need to Know About Cancer Screening

Gynecological Oncology | Types of Gynecological Cancer | Types Of Cancer Screening Test | Risk for Gynecological Cancers

Gynecological Oncology: Treatment of Cancer in Women

Gynecological Oncology is a branch of medical science that deals with diagnosing and treating cancer in women’s reproductive organs. Reproductive cancer is a severe issue that can cause related complications in a woman.

If a woman is diagnosed with reproductive cancer, she needs to consult a gynecologic oncologist. A gynecologic oncologist has expertise in gynecologic malignancies and other related problems.

Sub Treatments For Cancer Screening

Types of Gynecological Cancer

Gynecological cancers are cancers that affect the reproductive organs in a woman. The type of cancer that affects a woman is known after the organ it has affected. There are various types of cancer in women like:

• Cervical Cancer
• Uterine Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer 
• Breast Cancer

Now, the four above-mentioned cancers are common cancers found in women. We provide all the services from screening to treating all these four cancers at Gunjan IVF World.

Apart from this, Breast cancer is cancer that affects men, too. There are two other cancers in women like vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer.

Types Of Cancer Screening Test

There are some important cancer screening tests for women. Each of them is recommended for all women, but some of them are required at a certain age. It’s crucial to know about each screening test to know when to get which one.

6 Major types of cancer screening tests for women are:

1. Pelvic Exam

A pelvic exam is a regular exam that must be a part of every woman’s regular checkups. A pelvic exam is an initial test that helps in diagnosing various gynecological cancers and sexually transmitted diseases. It is a physical and visual examination of reproductive organs. During this examination, your gynecologist inspects the cervix, vagina, vulva, and uterus. The doctor also feels for your reproductive organs like the uterus, ovaries, and especially if any lumps or masses are present. If your doctor finds any abnormalities during a pelvic exam, he will tell you about them in detail.

2. Pap Smear

Papanicolaou smear, also known as a pap test, is a screening test used to detect cervical cancer in women. In this test, cells from the cervix are collected and examined under a microscope. Pap smear is not a diagnostic test. If any abnormality is found in the pap test, further tests are needed for a specific diagnosis.

This test helps in detecting precancerous cells and also warns about abnormal changes that may turn into cancer later on. Doctors advise women to do a pap smear test every three years if they are between 21-65 years old. After a pap test, a negative result means that there is nothing to worry about and no further tests or treatment is required. On the other hand, positive results may require further investigation like Colposcopy and HPV DNA testing to know what abnormality is diagnosed.

3. Mammogram

A mammogram is a screening test that uses low energy X-ray images to screen breast cancer. This X-Ray can detect all the abnormalities in the breast that may turn into breast cancer. It is advised that women should do a regular self-examination in order to detect any lump in breasts at an early stage. Along with self-examination, mammograms help to detect breast cancer at an early stage which makes treatment effective and easy.

It is always a good idea for women above 40 to undergo a mammogram every 1-2 years. It is a completely safe and sound procedure. A mammogram screening test helps in detecting any calcium deposits or cysts in the breasts. Whatever the results are, your doctor will further advise you to undergo more tests or exams based on the previous results. Apart from Pap smears, mammograms, and pelvic exams, other basic tests are done to screen other cancers in women.

4. Transvaginal Sonography

A vaginal ultrasound is done to find any masses in the ovaries and uterus. Also, it detects any abnormalities in the uterine lining or endometrium. If the endometrium is extremely thickened or hyperplastic or cystic looking further investigations may be required.

5. CA 125

CA 125 levels are done especially for those at high risk of Ovarian Cancer. If the levels are high, it strongly indicates ovarian cancer. There are no recommended screening tests for ovarian cancers, but they can be detected at an early stage if you are at high risk. A vaginal ultrasound is done to find any masses in the ovaries and a blood test is done to look for CA-125 protein that strongly indicates ovarian cancer.

6. Endometrial Biopsy

Similarly, we can do a basic screening test for women at high risk of getting uterine cancer. In such cases, tiny uterine tissue samples are collected for testing. A fine tube known as Pipelle or a small telescope known as hysteroscope is inserted into the uterus to look for any abnormal changes or growths. After this hysteroscopic directed biopsies can be taken.

Who is at risk for Gynecological Cancers?

Apart from having a family history of some cancer, other risk factors increase the chances of getting gynecological cancers. Some of the cumulative risk factors are:

• HPV: HPV is Human papillomavirus that is spread by sexually transmitted diseases in human beings. It makes changes in the cervical cells over time and increases the risk of cervical cancer in women.
• Smoking: Smoking has harmful effects on our bodies. Women who smoke are more likely to get cervical cancer in their lifetime. 
• Chlamydia infection: It is a bacteria that infects women’s reproductive organs and increases the chance of cancer.
• Age: The risk of getting ovarian cancer gets higher with increasing age in women.
• Diet: Women whose diet doesn’t include fruits and vegetables are more likely to develop such cancers.

Conclusion

Cancer is one serious health condition that needs attention even before it happens. Regular screening tests help detect gynecological cancer at a stage where treatment is easy and the death rate can be minimized. Women with a family history of cancer should go for regular screening tests to decrease their chances of getting cancer. Here, at Gunjan IVF world, we offer cancer screening for all gynecological cancers. If you have a family history of cancers or are at high risk of developing one, make an appointment for cancer screening today.

Our Expert Team