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"The
term gynaecological cancer refers to all cancers of the female reproductive
tract, including cancers of the ovary, uterus, cervix, fallopian
tube and vulva or vagina. Ovarian and cervical cancers, frequently
inflict Pakistani women, and are one of the commonest causes of
gynaecological cancer deaths in the country. Gynaecological cancer
can be and most often is successfully treated. Early detection is
the key to effective treatment of all cancers," informed Dr. Aliya B. Aziz, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). She was giving a presentation
on "Screening and Early Detection of Gynaecological Cancer" at the
monthly public health awareness programme, 'Signs, Symptoms and
Care' on May 3, 2003.
Dr. Aziz further added, "Women should be aware of four important symptoms. Any woman who has abnormal
vaginal bleeding not related to normal periods and particularly after menopause
should contact her doctor without delay. If a woman is experiencing swelling
of the lower abdomen without weight gain elsewhere, has loss of appetite and
abdominal pain or if she can feel a lump in her abdomen, she should see her
family doctor immediately. Painful urination and constant itching in the vulval
region especially if associated with some white patches on the skin in that
region should also prompt early consultation. Reporting symptoms early is vital
in early detection of these cancers as cancers detected early have the best
chance of cure."
"There are several things
a women can do to help prevent gynaecological cancers. A pap smear is a test
to detect changes in the neck of the womb that may lead to cancer. An initial
smear should be performed once a girl is sexually active. Thereafter, the Pap
smear may be done annually or once in two to three years as advised by the doctor," advised Dr. Aziz.
"The risk of gynaecological
cancer may be further reduced by modification of lifestyle to minimise the risk
factors. A healthy diet and exercise can help reduce the chances of a woman
having cancer. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may have a small preventive
effect. Women should not hesitate to consult their doctor if they have
a strong family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer. As this group of
women may need to get more rigorous screening with serial CA-125 tests and/or
transvaginal ultrasound. If women develop one of these cancers, it is very important
that it is treated by the correct specialist, called gynaecological oncologists," concluded Dr. Aziz.
The speaker and the panellist,
which included Dr. Amyn Alidina and Dr. Zeenat Eva Khan, participated in the
question and answer session at the end of the programme.
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