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Staying informed about potential health risks is one of the best ways to proactively maintain your wellness. For women, understanding vaginal cancer and its risks is essential to ensuring early detection. The earlier serious conditions like cancer are detected, the greater a woman’s odds are for recovery. As a leading pair of gynecologists in Anchorage, AK, the team from Caring For Women takes the time to answer some common questions about vaginal cancer below.

Gynecologists Answer 5 Vaginal Cancer Questions

What Is Vaginal Cancer?

When the vaginal canal contains cancerous cells, it’s referred to as vaginal cancer. It’s different from other cancers of the female reproductive organs. With cervical cancer, the cancer is concentrated in the cervix, which connects the uterus and vagina, while ovarian cancer affects the ovaries.

Why Haven’t I Heard of It?

Cervical and ovarian cancers tend to get a fair amount of attention, but vaginal cancer seems to be discussed less frequently. This is likely due to its rarity. Only a small percentage of the population develops it. While fewer than 5,000 cases of vaginal cancer are diagnosed yearly, the figure is more than double and four times that number for cervical and ovarian cancers, respectively, according to the CDC.

Should I Still Be Concerned?

gynecologist Anchorage AKAs with any women’s health issue, understanding the risks of serious conditions like cancer is critical. Discussing factors like age and genetics with your doctor is a good way to take a defensive approach and maintain peace of mind. Additionally, receiving regular Pap smears is the best line of defense against nearly all women’s health issues, as these critical tests allow gynecologists to detect a broad range of conditions in their earliest stages.

What Are Some Symptoms?

The warning signs of vaginal cancer vary significantly and can easily be confused with other conditions. Abnormal discharge, abnormal bleeding (post-sex or otherwise), and the feeling of a mass can all point to cancer. Yet, these symptoms are not always definitive indicators. It’s a good idea to discuss any new reproductive health developments with your gynecologist.

Is Treatment Available?

Yes. Possible treatments could include laser surgery to remove cancerous cells in precancerous stages. In later stages, treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be advised. Survival rates vary but are highest in the earliest stages of detection.

If you’d like to discuss your risk factors with the gynecologists at Caring For Women or have any other women’s health concerns you’d like to address, don’t hesitate to make an appointment. Schedule your annual exam by calling (907) 279-2229. You can also contact the practice through their website or like them on Facebook for additional updates.

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