Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office or are too embarrassed to ask? The experts at Samaritan Health Services are here to help.
Q: How can I tell if I’m at risk for certain cancers of the cervix, uterus or ovaries?
A: It has been said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and that starts with screening for gynecologic cancers as the first line of defense.
Pap smears screen for cervical cancer and are recommended every three years starting at age 21 through 65. Risk factors for cervical cancer include early onset sexual activity, multiple partners or unprotected sexual intercourse. Cervical cancers are not hereditary.
Currently there is no standard screening recommendation for uterine cancer. However, a common risk factor of uterine cancer is obesity. Symptoms include heavy or irregular bleeding before menopause. Any bleeding after menopause should be evaluated right away. Uterine cancer may be inherited, so individuals with a family history of colon, stomach, liver, kidney, brain or prostate cancers may have an increased risk.
strategy for ovarian cancer. Risk factors include advanced age, never having been pregnant, obesity or endometriosis. Protective factors include pregnancy, breastfeeding and more than 10 years of oral contraceptive use. Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include bloating, abdominal distention or pain and feeling full with little food. Most cases of ovarian cancer are sporadic but individuals with a family history of breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer may have an increased risk.
If you have a strong family history of
cancer, talk with your doctor to discuss preventive options.
— Andrea Buras, MD, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Gynecologic Oncology
Q: I want to get my kids the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, but I’m concerned about side effects. What do I do?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 85% of people will get HPV in their lifetime, increasing the risk for cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, mouth or anus. Fortunately, the vaccine can help prevent the formation of these cancers.
Vaccines like Gardasil can prevent infection for nine strains of the human papilloma virus that can cause cancer. The vaccine is given as a three-part series and is recommended for females and males, ages 9 through 45. Common side effects are often minor such as redness, pain or itching at the injection site. Serious side effects are rare and occur less than 1% of the time. The vaccine is 98% effective.
Early prevention of certain cancers is an option. But if you have concerns about your kids getting the HPV vaccination, please talk with their pediatrician.
— Erica Takimoto, MD, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Gynecologic Oncology
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