10 cancer symptoms women shouldn't ignore
If you’re a relatively healthy young woman, cancer may not even be on your radar yet. But it should be, regardless of your age or family history.
Why? Because each year, more than 375,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Another 106,000 are diagnosed with gynecologic cancers, such as endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer or cervical cancer. And while most of...
When should you worry about your menstrual cycle?
Abnormal vaginal bleeding can be a symptom of several gynecologic cancers, including cervical, endometrial (uterine) and vaginal. But if you...
Demystifying the well-woman: What to expect during this annual exam
If you’ve never had a well-woman exam before, you might be wondering what to expect. Is it similar to an annual physical? Which parts of your...
What is a partial hysterectomy? Differences, benefits and risk factors
“Partial hysterectomy” is one of those phrases that isn’t very specific. It’s not always clear what the term means. So, most doctors try to avoid using it.
But when people speak of a partial hysterectomy, the scientific term for what they’re describing is usually a supracervical hysterectomy. That’s a procedure in which the bulk of the uterus is surgically removed, but the cervix is left behind.
So, why might you need...
Uterine fibroids and cancer: Is there a connection?
Uterine fibroids are smooth-muscle tumors that develop in the thick muscular walls of the uterus. We don’t know for certain what causes them...
Does hormone replacement therapy increase cancer risk?
Hot flashes. Insomnia. Mood changes.
If you've experienced menopause symptoms, you can probably relate to the feeling of wanting them...
Ascites: 8 things to know about this ovarian cancer symptom
Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal space of the abdomen. Though it can be caused by several non-cancerous conditions,...
Lynch syndrome: 10 things to know about this genetic condition
Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that makes some people more likely to develop certain cancers.
Carriers have a much...
Sentinel lymph node biopsy: What cancer patients should know
We often hear about lymph nodes when we talk about how cancer spreads. That’s because when cancer starts to spread, it often goes to the lymph...
‘How I knew I had endometrial cancer’: Six survivors share their stories
Maria Lozano was already well into menopause when she started experiencing the most common symptom of endometrial cancer (also known as uterine...