This column might save your life

September has been Gynecological Cancer Awareness month. Yet, even though cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers commonly affect - and are a leading cause of death amongst women- we hear very little about it. 

Two years ago, I went through a radical hysterectomy after an ovarian tumour was discovered during a routine gynecological visit. I was one of the lucky ones – my tumour was benign, but since my recovery I have spoken with hundreds of women who have not been so lucky. 

Because of my and their experiences, I have become determined to educate and raise awareness about this issue. So, to both my female and male readers, even if you don’t read any of my columns again, please read this one - it might just save your or a loved one’s life.

Here are the things that you should know:

Gynecological cancers are silent. 

Even though my ovarian growth was the size of a small grapefruit, I experienced no symptoms. I questioned all the specialists about why that was and it turns out that women’s organs are super polite.  They allow the various cancers to grow quietly and only at an advanced stage do women usually experience symptoms, which is why prevention is key. 

Prevention.

Every year over 10 000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in South Africa. 99% of these cancers are caused by the HPV virus, which is transmitted through sex. Most men carry the HPV virus and will show absolutely no symptoms.  A healthy immune system can usually fight off the virus, but in about 10% of the cases the virus penetrates the cervix, cells mutate and cause a very dangerous form of cancer. It is important to note that the virus can also cause throat cancer (because of oral sex), penile, and anal cancer. 

Yet, there is a simple vaccine that can prevent this. Gardasil is offered by the state at schools and is also available at pharmacies privately. The problem is that many parents will not give permission for their children to be vaccinated. This is truly irresponsible.

I have a number of friends who have lost their battle with cervical cancer and others who are extremely sick. It is an awful cancer that can spread rapidly to many organs and cause enormous suffering and death. All parents should protect their daughters from this terrible scenario. It is also important that boys and men get the vaccine to protect them and their present or future partners. 

(Please note that even if you or your children are already sexually active, there can still be some value in getting the vaccine.) 

Screening is vital. 

Most gynecological cancers can be successfully treated if discovered in time. Sadly, over 5800 (more than 50%) of South African women diagnosed with cervical cancer die annually. The death rate for ovarian and uterine cancers are even higher with 207 000 out of the 314 000 diagnosed globally, dying annually. The reason for these deaths is usually late detection and treatment. This is why regular screening is so important. 

Every woman should go for a pap smear at a clinic or at their doctors at least every two years and more frequently if there is or has been a problem. This applies to women of all ages who are sexually active. 

Ovarian and uterine cancers can usually only be detected through a physical examination and an ultrasound and/or CT scan. This is why it is important to have annual or at least bi-annual check-ups so that your doctor can send you for further tests if indicated.

 Doctors are not gods.

Make sure that you like your doctor and can talk to her or him. You must be able to ask questions, raise concerns and in general become a partner in your health journey. Don’t allow them to fub you off. If you are worried or have unanswered questions, find another doctor and ask for a second opinion. 

Doctors also make mistakes. As shocking as this might sound, I know of a few women whose gynecologists or doctors sent them the wrong pathology results. One died and another is now battling with stage 4 cervical cancer. Both were told that all was well, when in fact the smear results indicated cervical cancer. So, ask for a copy of your results to be sent to you or look it up on the pathologists app. 

Trust your body. 

If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked out immediately.

Many women worry that they will be seen as dramatic, hysterical or a cry baby. Please do not buy into that false narrative. Because these cancers are silent, it is vital to listen to even the faintest signals. For example, some of the symptoms for ovarian and uterine cancers are lower back pain, pressure on your bladder, urinating more frequently or feeling full quickly when eating. Of course, any form of abnormal bleeding is also a serious warning sign. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cancer, but you must have it checked out. 

Remember early detection can mean the difference between life and death. 

Break the silence. 

There is still so much silence around women’s gynecological health. Silence kills – which is why we should start to talk about it amongst ourselves and also to our daughters and sons. 

Most importantly: if you are one of those women, that can’t remember when last you had a smear or a visit to your GP or gynae, please make an appointment today!