Logo courtesy of Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova & Gold River

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova & Gold River is recognizing Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in September by encouraging community members to learn about symptoms, risk factors, prevention and screening for cancers of the female reproductive system.

Gynecologic cancers include five main types: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancer. The Foundation for Women’s Cancer established Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in 1999 to increase public awareness of the diseases and promote prevention and early detection.

An estimated 117,660 people in the United States will be diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer in 2026, and about 34,570 are expected to die from the diseases, according to the Foundation for Women’s Cancer, citing American Cancer Society estimates.

Because symptoms vary among the different types of gynecologic cancer, health officials encourage people to become familiar with what is normal for their bodies and to discuss unusual or persistent changes with a medical professional.

Possible warning signs can include unusual bleeding or discharge, persistent pelvic pain or pressure, abdominal or back pain, bloating and feeling full quickly or having difficulty eating. Changes in urination or bowel habits can also occur with some gynecologic cancers, while vulvar cancer can cause itching, burning, tenderness or changes to the skin of the vulva.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends contacting a doctor promptly for bleeding that is unusual, including any bleeding after menopause. Other warning signs that are unusual for an individual and continue for two weeks or longer should also be evaluated. Such symptoms can have causes other than cancer, but medical evaluation can help determine the cause.

Screening options differ significantly among the five gynecologic cancers.

Cervical cancer is the only gynecologic cancer for which recommended screening tests are available. Cervical cancer screening can include HPV testing and Pap testing, which can identify infections or abnormal cervical cells before cancer develops or detect cancer at an earlier stage. There is currently no simple, reliable routine screening test for ovarian, uterine, vaginal or vulvar cancers in people without symptoms.

Vaccination against human papillomavirus, or HPV, can also lower the risk of several cancers. HPV is a common virus associated with cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers, and the HPV vaccine protects against the types of the virus that most often cause those cancers. The CDC recommends routine HPV vaccination beginning at ages 11 or 12, although vaccination can begin at age 9. Catch-up vaccination is recommended through age 26 for those who were not adequately vaccinated earlier, while some adults ages 27 through 45 may choose vaccination after discussing it with a health care provider.

Family medical history can also provide important information about cancer risk. According to the CDC, people with a family history of breast, ovarian, uterine or colorectal cancer may have an increased risk for certain cancers. Health care providers may recommend additional evaluation, genetic counseling or testing based on a person's family history.

Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova & Gold River is encouraging community members to use the awareness month as an opportunity to discuss family history, possible symptoms, appropriate vaccinations and recommended cancer screenings with their health care providers.

Soroptimist is an international nonprofit organization with programs focused on improving educational and economic opportunities for women and girls.

More information about Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova & Gold River, including membership and volunteer opportunities, is available at soroptimistranchocordova.org or by emailing [email protected]