There has been a considerable fall in doctor visits for potential cancer symptoms, plus other serious illnesses during the pandemic. Fear of attending hospital during Covid is understandable, in fact even I resisted going until long after I should have done during lockdown. However Covid-safe measures are in place in medical establishments and there’s a real risk that a treatable cancer could become incurable just through delay, so please, please see your doctor if you’re worried.
September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month and Intimina, makers of women’s health products, have asked Dr Shree Datta, consultant at Kings College Hospital, London, to answer commonly asked questions about gynaecological cancers, and Frost is keen to share her answers:
Dr Datta’s Advice: 
The main women’s health cancers affect cervix, womb and ovaries. Your overall risk of developing cancer increases with age, but menopause alone doesn’t cause cancer and young women can be affected too.
How can I minimise the risk of gynaecological cancer?
- Whilst you cannot change some risk factors (eg family history or genetics), smoking or being overweight can affect risk of gynaecological cancers, so it’s important to watch your diet and exercise regularly. This can also strengthen your immune system.
- If womb, ovarian, cervical or breast cancer is prominent in your family, speak to your doctor.
- Keep a diary of abnormal symptoms such as heavy periods or bleeding between periods and make sure you attend your smear tests. Cervical smears and mammography help detect whether there is cancer and find it early. Bring a friend if needed, or take some pain relief beforehand.
- Safe sex and the HPV vaccination (if eligible) can protect from high risk HPV types which are commonly associated with cervical cancer.
What things should I watch out for?
Consult your doctor early for abnormal bleeding (between your periods, after sex or after the menopause) or repeated bouts of abdominal pain. Also for unexplained bloating, a change in appetite or bowel habits or if you are losing weight without trying.
If symptoms persist or get worse go back to your doctor. We may explore things with an ultrasound or blood test.
Further tips from Dr Datta?
Self examine your breasts regularly and attend your mammography, as well as smear tests, as some gynaecological cancers can also occur if you have breast changes or breast cancer.
Speaking to your doctor early may mean that if you have cancer, it’s diagnosed early and may be curable. Don’t wait until your next smear test if you find symptoms in between tests, speak to your doctor.
It’s great to hear this advice from an expert such as Dr Datta and if you need more information or want to speak with her, you can contact Intimina@cowpr.com
Many thanks to Intimina for providing this important resource. For more advice and resources please visit Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month – Foundation for Women’s Cancer
By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.