Dancing with N.E.D. - GYN Cancer

By Maribel Quezada for Spark Media

If you live in the United States, you probably know that one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. That means you probably know more than one woman who has been diagnosed with this disease. Sadly, I know several. But I also know other women who have been impacted by other forms of cancer – specifically gynecological cancer. Often called the silent killer, these cancers can strike unannounced and with symptoms that are sometimes difficult to detect.

There are five main types of gynecological cancers: Cervical, Ovarian, Uterine, Vaginal, and Vulvar. According to current statistics, a woman is diagnosed with a form of GYN cancer every 7 minutes. That’s 200 every day! That’s why it’s important to talk about it, and it’s important to educate ourselves about the checkups, screenings, symptoms, and treatments available. That’s the goal that six gynecologic oncologists set out to achieve when they formed the rock band No Evidence of Disease – N.E.D. Spark Media began producing a documentary, compelled by the message and devotion these doctors share. And so began the journey of “Dancing with N.E.D.”

Working on this documentary has undoubtedly taught me more about gynecological cancers than I ever intended to learn. I’ve spent many afternoons reading up on blogs, medical articles and websites about the symptoms, treatments, screenings and life after cancer. And in doing so, I realized that there are some basic questions every woman needs to know the answers to when it comes to taking control of their health.

1. What are the symptoms of gynecological cancer?

According to Dr. Deborah Nucatola, senior director of Medical Affairs for Planned Parenthood there are no symptoms specific to ovarian cancer. In fact, women are more likely to have general symptoms, such as like pelvic pain, bloating and changes in bowel or bladder habits. Endometrial cancer and cervical cancer symptoms are also pretty nonspecific signs, like abnormal bleeding, especially after menopause, and lower abdominal pain.

2. What should I do if I experience some of the more generalized symptoms of GYN cancers like bloating or heart burn?

According to Dr. William Winter, N.E.D. band member and Gynecologic Oncologist at Northwest Cancer Specialists, you should check with your primary care doctor. Chances are it is just that - reflux, ulcer, or gastritis. However, if it doesn't resolve with dietary changes or anti-reflux medications, go to your doctor. The exception to this rule is if you are a part of the high risk population with a genetic disposition to breast and ovarian cancer. (For more information of genetic disposition visit the CDC Cancer site.)

3. Ovarian cancer seems to be the most difficult to detect of GYN cancers, are there any recommended screenings used to help rule it out?

There is no accepted or effective screening exam for ovarian cancer. It is a statistically uncommon disease to catch in its early stages without a noninvasive test. According to Dr. Winter, blood tumor markers, ultrasounds and frequent pelvic exams have been tried. “At best so far this results in many unnecessary surgeries to find one cancer. Bottom-line - we are far from a screening test. Prevention is key, oral contraceptive pills can reduce your risk by up to 50%.”

4. What options do under-insured or uninsured women have for preventative care?

Planned Parenthood offers preventative care to uninsured or low income women such as PAP tests, pelvic exams, ultrasounds and blood tests. The cost of services can vary based on a variety of factors, including the health center’s location, funding and the type of care being sought. According to Dr. Deborah Nucatola, many of the affiliates are able to offer care to uninsured patients on a sliding-fee scale based on their income. And some Planned Parenthood affiliates receive funding that allows them to offer services to very low-income patients at no cost.
There are also hospital programs around the U.S. that offer preventative health care for women at low or no cost. Evelyn Robles-Rodriguez, Director of Oncology Outreach Programs at the Cooper Cancer Institute, leads the Camden County Cancer Screening Project Program that provides screening for certain types of cancer such as cervical. According to Evelyn, “the beauty of the program for the cervical cancers, is that we are finding early changes such as HVP, carcinoma and low grade lesions before they turn into cancer, thus preventing future cervical cancers, giving our underserved and minority women a better chance of surviving their disease.”

Helpful sources:
Dancing with N.E.D.
N.E.D.
Planned Parenthood
CDC Cancer

Maribel Quezada is a communications professional and freelance contributor to the Spark blog. You can follow her personal blog on tumblr & on Twitter @MaribelQM