How are gynecological cancers treated?
As with everything else, treatment for all gynecological cancers will be individually tailored and discussed with you by your medical team. They will plan your treatment with you by taking into consideration a number of factors such as the type and size of tumor, stage of cancer, your age and general health. Potential treatments may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and targeted therapies.
What should I ask my doctor?
You might find it helpful to write down some questions that you would like to ask your medical team and bring them to your appointment. Here are some of the questions that you may want to ask the doctor after a diagnosis:
- What is my prognosis?
- What are my treatment options?
- Who will provide my treatment?
- What treatment side effects should I expect?
- How can I preserve my quality of life during treatment?
- What support resources are available?
- Will I still be able to become pregnant?
How can I prevent gynecological cancers?
HPV vaccination
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus usually found in persons who have ever been sexually active. HPV vaccines are a prophylactic vaccine to prevent cervical cancer as well as other HPV related cancers or diseases. They work best in women who have not started sexual activities. However, HPV vaccination does not protect against infection by the HPV types that are not found in the vaccines, nor can clear the virus in those who have already been infected. It is essential for women who have received HPV vaccination continue going for regular cervical cancer screening.
Cervical smear
Cervical smear is a very safe test that only takes a few minutes. Women aged 25-64 years who ever had sex, irrespective of marital status, are recommended to receive regular cervical cancer screening. Having a regular screening can detect and treat early abnormal changes in the cervix before cancer develops.