The pill and cancer: Is there a link?
There are multiple factors to consider when choosing a birth control: your reasons for seeking birth control, your medical history, whether you can remember to take a pill every day. But should you also consider cancer risk when deciding to take the birth control pill?
Here’s what researchers know: Oral contraceptives — better known as the pill — may affect a woman’s chances of developing breast, colorectal and gynecologic cancers...
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...
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 body will the doctor examine? And, which tests will be performed on you, and why?
We spoke with Elizabeth Keeler, M.D., a gynecologist who specializes in caring for women with cancer. Here’s what these important annual doctor visits include — and why you shouldn’t skip yours.
A...
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...
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...