Global Cancer Day is an annual reminder to everyone that cancer treatment is about more than treating; it involves increasing awareness, detecting early, and providing compassionate care. Gynaecological cancers (cervical, ovarian, uterine (endometrial), vaginal, and vulvar) kill hundreds of thousands of women across the globe every single year, many times silently.
Today marks a significant milestone in history where Dr Priyanka Batra (expert in gynaecological oncology and advanced robotic surgery) shares that when awareness, timely diagnosis, and appropriately tailored treatments are available, women will benefit by being able to save their lives and instil hope within thousands of women. In this blog, you will get to understand various aspects of cancer, which I believe will change your life totally.
What are the common types of gynaecological cancers?
- Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cervix (the lower portion of the uterus), connecting it to the vagina. The main cause of cervical cancer has long been thought to be persistence of high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
- Vaginal and vulvar cancers: These cancers are considered rare types of gynaecological cancer. They involve the vagina or external female sex organs (the vulva). Common symptoms include: Itching; pain; burning; lumps, sores or changes in the skin of the vulva; abnormal bleeding from the vagina; and/or abnormal discharge of fluids from the vagina.
- Ovarian cancer: Ovarian cancer starts in either of the ovaries or fallopian tubes, and it is often diagnosed late because its early symptoms are hard to notice. Symptoms of ovarian cancer are persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full after only a few bites of food, and needing to urinate much more frequently than usual.
- Endometrial (uterine) cancer: The start of endometrial cancer occurs within the lining of the uterus (which is called the endometrium), and is one of the most prevalent cancers in some parts of the world. The symptoms may include bleeding after menopause has ended, as well as experiencing excessively heavy or irregular periods, along with pelvic pain or pressure felt in the pelvic region below the navel.
For many women, the signs of gynaecological cancer are often vague or misinterpreted. As a result, by the time they seek medical advice, their cancer has developed to a more advanced stage. Dr Priyanka Batra states that increasing public awareness of the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers, it will significantly reduce the number of women dying from these types of cancers.
Why is World Cancer Day so special for women?
World Cancer Day advocates for more than data; it is about people, power, and perseverance
- It helps to promote regular screening to identify issues earlier that is very beneficial for women.
- Additionally, it eliminates fear and social stigma surrounding cancer and can create a learning environment.
- Also, it helps to support women who want to take charge of their reproductive health and increase awareness of where to find high-quality cancer care. According to Dr Batra from India, education (versus fear) and having conversations about cancer can help overcome barriers related to identifying symptoms of gynaecological cancers until diagnosis occurs (in some cases, prolonged silence can hinder the diagnosis).
What are the advances in Gynaecological Cancer Treatment?
- In the last ten years, improvements in cancer treatment have made a significant impact on the survival rates of women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers. One of these new developments – minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical techniques – has greatly changed the basis of how gynaecological cancer patients undergo procedures, resulting in enhanced outcomes.
- Selective use of robotic surgery by Dr Priyanka Batra guarantees that all patients receive the best care based on cancer stage, health status and expected outcome after surgery.
- Social stigma against discussing reproductive health problems and nervousness are some of the greatest challenges for women with a gynaecological or gynaecological cancer. On World Cancer Day, Dr Priyanka Batra encourages women and their families to talk about their reproductive health concerns so that others can do the same.
On this World Cancer Day, my message is to everyone that cancer and gynaecological cancers need to be familiarised. A small awareness can change your life and save you from being effected from this life threatening diseas. The main message of World Cancer Day is that there is hope. That’s hope from good science; that’s also hope resulting from increased awareness and from receiving compassionate care. Women who have been diagnosed as having gynecologic cancers have the opportunity to receive timely diagnoses and be treated effectively. Many of these women lead healthy, productive lifestyles after their diagnosis.
On this World Cancer Day, let us make an effort to create awareness, promote early detection and provide support for women with gynaecological cancers. There is now more hope than ever to beat cancer and recover following treatment due to ongoing innovations in the field of cancer care and through the support of experts in the field of cancer treatment.
Dr Priyanka Batra has extensive expertise in the field of gynaecological oncology and robotic cancer surgery. She is committed to continuing to raise awareness, provide access to the best possible treatments for patients, and support women through the entire process of their cancer experience, with compassion and professionalism.