“One potential reason behind the relatively high number of advanced cases is that women often put their lives on hold to care for family, putting their needs and concerns last. As a result, they may ignore the signs that something may be wrong, and delay seeking medical attention,” says Noah Goldman, MD, Medical Director of Cancer Programs at Penn Medicine Princeton Health. “Unfortunately, with uterine and ovarian cancers, the earlier the diagnosis, the more successful the treatment.”
While many symptoms of these cancers can be vague, one in particular should push you to seek a prompt medical evaluation. “Unexplained bleeding of any kind, even the smallest amount, should be reported to your doctor and evaluated,” says Dr. Goldman, who is board certified in gynecologic oncology. “About 95 percent of uterine cancers, for example, present with abnormal bleeding.”
Minimally Invasive Treatment is Common
Testing to determine if cancer is present is completed using ultrasounds and blood tests. If cancer is diagnosed, both uterine and ovarian cancers are treated with surgery, and often can be handled through minimally invasive procedures that may include robotic assistance. In the case of ovarian cancer, some patients may require chemotherapy before surgery is performed.
“Minimally invasive gynecologic cancer surgery reduces the risk of complications, shortens recovery times, and reduces post-operative discomfort,” says Dr. Goldman.
Watch for These Signs |
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For more information on Penn Medicine Princeton Health cancer services, call 1.888.742.7496, or visit www.princetonhcs.org/cancer.