National Cancer Prevention Month: What You Should Know

Helping Prevent Cervical, Ovarian, and Uterine Cancers in Women

February is National Cancer Prevention Month – the perfect time to raise awareness about ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer prevention (some of the most prevalent cancers in women). If you’re interested in starting or expanding your family, it’s especially important to stay aware of these diseases and their effects on conception and pregnancy.

At Palm Beach Fertility Center, we understand the importance of prevention and early detection, and we encourage you to receive screenings regularly to ensure you are healthy before deciding on family expansion. By doing so, we can empower more women to make informed decisions about their health, thus enabling them to protect themselves from cancer risks that could impact future family planning.

To learn more about cancer prevention and how it relates to pregnancy, schedule an appointment to consult with a team member. We can be reached at (888) 819-5177.

Symptoms of Gynecological Cancers

Education is an important part of cancer prevention. You should be aware of the potential signs and symptoms associated with gynecologic cancers, so you can seek medical care immediately if any develop.

Gynecological cancers of the cervix, ovaries, or uterus may present any of the following symptoms and more:

• Pelvic pain or discomfort
• Changes in bowel movements/constipation
• More frequent and urgent need to urinate
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Persistent abdominal bloating or swelling
• Itching, burning, tenderness, discoloration, or sores around the vulva
• Unexplained weight loss

Even if these symptoms are not indicative of cancer specifically, you should consult your doctor if you begin to notice any of them. It’s beneficial for you to understand the risk factors associated with gynecological cancer so that you can identify issues before they intensify and begin treatment immediately.

Prevention and Early Detection

As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early detection is the most important part of cancer care. Regular screenings help diagnose malignancies early on, so the necessary actions can be taken before the disease worsens or spreads. Additionally, regular checkups with your primary care physician will help identify abnormal cell changes before they become cancerous and can help you get an early diagnosis if abnormalities are found.

In addition to regular appointments and screenings, practicing healthy lifestyle habits is another important way to combat cancer development. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are all excellent ways to maintain overall well-being. Avoiding negative health behaviors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also have a significant impact on cancer prevention. A doctor can help you understand your risks and suggest any necessary lifestyle changes to help avoid illness.

How Cancer Affects Fertility

Cancer and fertility can be complex to navigate, as some cancer treatments can cause fertility issues. For example, chemotherapy may damage the eggs or reproductive organs, while radiation may affect the function of ovaries or testicles and impact fertility further down the road. Certain cancer treatments have also been known to negatively affect hormone production in both men and women.

It is important for you to understand all possible outcomes associated with your treatment plan so that you can make an informed decision to preserve fertility prior to beginning cancer treatments if desired. While it can be difficult to conceive with a cervical condition, it certainly isn’t impossible. Our team can help you understand your conception potential and recommend options for family building that work best for you and your loved ones’ needs.

To learn more about our fertility services and how they can benefit you, schedule an appointment with a team member today. Give us a call at (888) 819-5177 to get started.