DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I've heard that many symptoms of gynecologic cancers can mimic menstrual or menopausal changes, such as bleeding and pelvic pain. What symptoms should never be ignored, and when do I know it's time to see a healthcare professional? 

ANSWER: Pay attention to changes that are new, persistent, worsening or simply different from what is typical for your body. Many gynecologic cancer symptoms also can have noncancerous causes, but certain changes deserve medical evaluation rather than automatically considering them a natural part of menstruation, menopause or another common condition. 

There are five types of gynecologic cancers: ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar and vaginal. Their warning signs can overlap with expected changes across a woman's life, which is why the pattern of a symptom — whether it's new, persistent or progressing — matters. 

Symptoms that should prompt a conversation with a healthcare professional include: 

• Postmenopausal bleeding. Menopause means going 12 months without a menstrual period. Any bleeding after that point should be evaluated.  

• Bleeding after intercourse. Cancer isn't the only possible cause, but bleeding after intercourse should be checked. 

• Pelvic pain that's new or getting worse. If you usually have discomfort with menstrual periods but notice that the pain is becoming progressively worse, that change deserves attention. 

• Persistent bloating or feeling full quickly. Feeling full soon after starting to eat is called early satiety. Bloating and early satiety can occur with ovarian cancer, particularly when symptoms are new or worsening. 

• Changes in bowel or bladder habits. When changes develop or get worse, they should be looked into rather than considered only as a gastrointestinal or urinary condition. 

• New or persistent vulvar changes. A new lump or lesion, bleeding, itching, burning or irritation on your vulva should be examined. A biopsy may be recommended, particularly if symptoms persist or don't improve with treatment. 

The key is to know your own baseline. A symptom doesn't have to be severe, but if it's unusual for you or continues, it should be evaluated. 

One common misconception is that a Pap test means a woman has been screened for all gynecologic cancers. A Pap test only screens for cervical cancer and cervical precancer. It doesn't screen for ovarian, endometrial, vulvar or vaginal cancers. 

For cancers without routine screening tests, recognizing symptoms and seeking diagnostic evaluation if you become concerned is especially important. 

Screening and diagnostic evaluation are different. Screening is performed in people who don't have symptoms. Diagnostic evaluation, such as imaging or a biopsy, is prompted by a symptom or other concern, and it may involve additional testing depending on each person's situation. 

Risk of gynecological cancers differs by cancer type, but several factors may be important: 

• Aging puts people at greater risk of these cancers.  

• Obesity is a risk factor for a common type of endometrial cancer. 

• Inherited conditions, including BRCA1 and 2 and Lynch syndrome, can increase the risk of certain ovarian or endometrial cancers. 

• Family history of cancers, such as breast, ovarian or colon cancer, can be important when assessing inherited risk. 

• Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is associated with cervical and vulvar cancer risk. Smoking can make it more difficult to clear up an HPV infection, increasing the chance that it will persist. 

Knowing your family history and discussing relevant risk factors with a healthcare professional can help guide appropriate care. 

Earlier detection can reduce the challenges of treatment and may improve outcomes. In some cases, cancer found earlier may be treated with surgery without the need for additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. For some younger patients, earlier diagnosis also may allow them to consider fertility-preserving treatment options. 

The goal isn't to assume that every episode of bleeding, pelvic pain or bloating means cancer. It's to recognize when a change deserves an explanation. 

If something is new, persistent, worsening or simply doesn't feel right for your body, have it evaluated. You know your body best, and speaking up when something feels different is an important part of protecting your health. 

Shariska Harrington, M.D., Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

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September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, which makes this a good time to learn about the five types of gynecologic cancer.

Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in a woman's reproductive organs. More than 116,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer this year, according to the Foundation for Women's Cancer.

The five main types of gynecologic cancer are:

• Cervical cancer
  Early stage cervical cancer generally produces no signs or symptoms. Indications of more advanced cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause; watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor; and pelvic pain or pain during intercourse. It isn't clear what causes cervical cancer, but it's certain that HPV plays a role, along with environmental factors and lifestyle choices. 
• Endometrial cancer
  Endometrial cancer, sometimes called uterine cancer, begins in the layer of cells that form the lining of the uterus. Endometrial cancer often is detected at an early stage because it frequently produces abnormal vaginal bleeding, which prompts women to see their health care providers. If endometrial cancer is discovered early, surgically removing the uterus often cures it.
• Ovarian cancer
  Early stage ovarian cancer rarely causes any symptoms. Advanced-stage ovarian cancer can cause few and nonspecific symptoms that often are mistaken for more common benign conditions. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. At this late stage, it's more difficult to treat, and it is frequently fatal. Early stage ovarian cancer, where the disease is confined to the ovary, is more likely to be treated successfully.
• Vaginal cancer
  Vaginal cancer most commonly occurs in the cells that line the surface of the vagina. While several types of cancer can spread to the vagina from other places in the body, primary vaginal cancer is rare. A diagnosis of early stage vaginal cancer has the best chance for a cure. Vaginal cancer that spreads beyond the vagina is more difficult to treat.
• Vulvar cancer
  Vulvar cancer occurs on the outer surface area of the female genitalia. The vulva is the area of skin that surrounds the urethra and vagina, including the clitoris and labia. Vulvar cancer commonly forms as a lump or sore on the vulva that often causes itching. Though it can occur at any age, vulvar cancer most commonly is diagnosed in older adults.

Connect with others like you in the Gynecologic Cancers support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, an online patient community moderated by Mayo Clinic.

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Gynecologic cancers start in a woman’s reproductive organs. The five main types are cervical, endometrial, ovarian, vaginal and vulvar cancer.

Every five minutes, a woman is diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, according to the Foundation for Women's Cancer. And of the estimated 90,000 women in the U.S. who are diagnosed, more than 33,000 will die from these diseases.

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to educate women about screening and prevention.

Dr. Amanika Kumar, a Mayo Clinic OB-GYN, says women can do several things to reduce their risk for gynecologic cancers, including staying up to date on screenings and being aware of any unusual signs or symptoms.

"Each cancer is a bit different and women of all ages may be affected based on different factors, including age, family history and genetics," says Dr. Kumar. "But I tell my patients that the most important this is to be mindful of living a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a normal body weight."

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Dr. Kumar, says that research shows that eating a healthy diet and exercising have been shown to reduce the risk of many cancers.

Staying up to date screenings, including yearly physical exams, is also important.

"Screening guidelines are often being updated. So whether or not you visit a gynecologist or other health care provider, it is valuable to talk with your provider about what tests may be timely, such as such as HPV tests and Pap smears for cervical cancer.  But I would still recommend women have a physical exam that may include a pelvic exam," says Dr. Kumar.

Dr. Kumar also suggests that women be mindful of any unusual symptoms or signs and seek evaluation from a health care provider.

"Things like abnormal bleeding, or bloating and early satiety, are all symptoms of a cancer as is postmenopausal bleeding. But having one of these symptoms does not mean you have cancer," she says.

"Early detection is important so if you have a concern, it is important to go to your doctor or go to your health care practitioner for an evaluation."

Read related articles about gynecologic cancers:

• Women’s Wellness: Endometrial cancer — risk factors, screening, treatment
• New Hope for Ovarian Cancer
• Living With Cancer: Understanding vaginal cancer
• Mayo Clinic Minute: Cervical cancer screening and prevention
• Women’s Wellness: Connect with women living with gynecologic cancer

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"Each cancer is a little bit different," says Dr. Kumar.

Dr. Kumar has three tips to help women stay healthy when it comes to gynecologic cancer. No. 1 is lifestyle

"It's important to live a healthy lifestyle to maintain a normal weight," says Dr. Kumar.

Eating a healthy diet and exercising have both been shown to help reduce your risk of many cancers. No. 2 is screening.

"Get a yearly physical exam that includes a pelvic exam to maintain or stay up to date with your screening tests, such as Pap smears," says Dr. Kumar.

No. 3 is being aware of symptoms.

"Being aware that postmenopausal bleeding or abnormal bleeding, or bloating and early satiety, are all symptoms of a cancer. And if you have a concern, go to your doctor or go to your health care practitioner, and bring that up," says Dr. Kumar.

Because early detection and treatment saves lives.

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HPV infection and cancer in men  
While the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to cervical cancer in women, it can cause cancer in men, too. And the risks for men are different. Learn more from Dr. James Steckelberg, an emeritus Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist. And learn about the importance of getting the HPV vaccine.

HPV infection and cervical cancer  
When women are exposed to genital HPV, their immune systems usually prevent the virus from doing serious harm. But in a small number of women, the virus survives for years. Eventually, the virus can lead to the conversion of normal cells on the surface of the cervix into cancerous cells. Learn more from Dr. Shannon Laughlin-Tommaso, a Mayo Clinic OB-GYN. And learn about the importance of getting the HPV vaccine.

Vaginal cancer  
Vaginal cancer most commonly occurs in the cells that line the surface of the vagina. While several types of cancer can spread to the vagina from other places in the body, primary vaginal cancer is rare. Early vaginal cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms. As it progresses, it may cause unusual vaginal bleeding or watery discharge, painful or frequent urination, constipation and pelvic pain. Learn about the risk factors for vaginal cancer and why early diagnosis is important.

The post Living With Cancer: HPV and cancer in men appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Lung cancer: Diagnosis and treatment
What are the stages of lung cancer? What treatments are available? Are complementary and alternative treatments advised? Find answers to these questions and more.

Is photodynamic therapy an effective treatment for lung cancer? 
Photodynamic therapy may play a limited role in lung cancer treatment — generally complementing, rather than replacing, other forms of treatment. Specifically, it may be an option for treating superficial non-small cell lung cancers that haven't spread beyond the lungs and those that are located in areas easily reached with the tools used during the treatment. Learn more from Dr. Timothy Moynihan, a Mayo Clinic oncologist.

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On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Jamie Bakkum-Gamez, a gynecologic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, will cover diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gynecologic cancers. Also on the program, Kate Zeratsky, a dietician at Mayo Clinic, will discuss detox diets. And Dr. Arya Mohabbat, the practice chair of Mayo Clinic’s Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic, will talk about improving care for fibromyalgia patients.

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The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Jamie Bakkum-Gamez, a gynecologic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, will cover diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gynecologic cancers. Also on the program, Kate Zeratsky, a dietician at Mayo Clinic, will discuss detox diets. And Dr. Arya Mohabbat, the practice chair of Mayo Clinic’s Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic, will talk about improving care for fibromyalgia patients.

To hear the program, find an affiliate in your area.

Follow #MayoClinicRadio, and tweet your questions.

Mayo Clinic Radio is on iHeartRadio.

Mayo Clinic Radio produces a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

Access archived shows.

The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Gynecologic cancers / detox diets / fibromyalgia appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.