The following factors may increase your risk of developing gynecologic cancer:
- Human papilloma virus (HPV): Cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva are often related to HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection. Therefore, practicing safe sex (using condoms) is a key strategy for prevention. An HPV vaccine is available for girls and young women (ages 11-26).
- Age: older age is another known risk factor. For example, the average patient with uterine cancer is 63 years old at the time of diagnosis.
- Genetics: Up to 10% of ovarian cancer patients have a family history of the disease. A woman whose mother, daughter, or sister had ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer might choose to have genetic testing for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. (Mutations in these genes can increase your risk of ovarian cancer.)
- Diethylstilbestrol Exposure: Some gynecologic cancers have been associated with intrauterine exposure to diethylstilbestrol, a synthetic form of estrogen that was prescribed to pregnant women between 1940 and 1971, before it was found to be unsafe.
Steps to prevent cancer range from lifestyle changes to surgery. We list what each one is about:
Gynecologic Cancer Prevention: Lifestyle Changes
- Starting today, create healthy habits that reduce your risk of gynecological cancers and cancer in general. These include:
- Reduces the risk of human papillomavirus (HPV). Talk to your gynecologist or make an appointment with Doctor Quesada to understand the measures you can take to prevent HPV.
- Avoid tobacco. Studies have linked tobacco use to gynecologic cancer, so quitting can help reduce your risk.
- Diet and exercise. Your diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables. Eat high-fat foods in moderation. Also, try to get 30 minutes of exercise every day.
Prevention of gynecological cancer: early detection
Most women with precancerous cervical lesions have no symptoms, so it's important to have regular screening before symptoms develop. Screening for gynecologic cancer is recommended starting at age 21 with a regular Pap smear done every three years.
Starting at age 30, an HPV test can be done along with the Pap test. Starting at age 65, you should decide with your doctor which gynecologic cancer screening tests are appropriate based on the results of previous tests.
Prevention of gynecological cancer: prophylactic surgery
If you're at high risk of gynecologic cancer, such as ovarian cancer, you can talk to your doctor about surgery to remove one or both ovaries.
El Dr. Alfonso Ángel Quesada, gynecologist and obstetrician at Ginefem, explains in this video if gynecological cancer can be prevented.
