September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
The Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) understands the importance of bringing awareness to all gynecologic cancers—cervical, ovarian, uterine/endometrial, vaginal, and vulvar cancer—and declared September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM) with a goal of reaching more and more people each year. All women are at risk for these cancers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, each year in the United States, approximately 71,500 women are diagnosed with gynecological cancers. Each gynecological cancer has different signs and symptoms, as well as different risk factors and risk increases with age.
Torrance Memorial Physician Network obstetrician/gynecologist Savannah Kimball, MD, answers questions about the importance of regular gynecological care for women.
What’s the importance of routine gynecologic visits?
Annual gynecologic exams are among the most important ways to receive preventive health screening and education. The main goal of a routine gynecological exam is to identify potential health issues that can affect long-term health and reproductive wellness. Routine visits allow health care providers to perform appropriate screening and evaluations based on a patient’s individual risk factors, and personal history. This, in turn, can provide added peace of mind and a greater opportunity for early detection if a type of gynecological cancer or other abnormality were to be discovered.
What are some common misconceptions of Gynecologic Cancer?
There are typically no early symptoms of gynecological cancer. That is why it is so important for women to maintain screenings through their annual visits. Patients with ovarian, uterine, cervical, or vaginal cancer do not have early warning signs. Common symptoms are abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating, urinary urgency, pelvic discomfort or abnormal bleeding and discharge. These types of cancers generally get worse over time. Primary care providers can also perform pap smears and detect abnormalities. If a more serious diagnosis is made, we will typically refer a patient to a gynecologic oncologist.
How do you address these misconceptions?
I love educating and empowering my patients. I pride myself on providing up to date information and resources to inform patients about their bodies in general, throughout the various stages of life from pregnancy to menopause and beyond. Not all women desire to get pregnant but still need to see an OBGYN.
How do you encourage your patients to keep up with their routine appointments?
I educate patients on the importance of taking charge of their own health. I like to recommend they make their next appointment when they check out from their existing appointment, so they maintain consistency in their OB/GYN visits. By emphasizing the importance of yearly appointments and how the benefits of regular care can help them in tune with their body and dispel unnecessary worry, allowing them to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life. I encourage each of my patients to take initiative and advocate for themselves to optimize their health.
Savannah Kimball, MD, is located at Torrance Memorial Physician Network El Segundo, 2110 E. El Segundo Blvd., Ste. 220. She can be reached at 310-784-8745
