Uploaded September 2024 | Updated September 2026, 37 minutes ago
Dr. Lucky Sekhon lent her expertise on NBC News for Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, sharing important steps that can be taken to screen for gynecologic cancers — and to raise awareness on the signs/symptoms to look out for. She also spoke with Vicky Nguyen about the availability of IVF technology to eliminate the chance of cancer predisposing mutations from being passed on to future generations.
Here are some important things to know!
What are the common symptoms?
🔹Uterine cancer: irregular/heavy bleeding, watery/pink discharge, postmenopausal bleeding, pelvic pain, painful sex
🔹Ovarian cancer: persistent bloating, urinary symptoms, pelvic pain, feeling full
🔹Cervical cancer: bleeding after sex, discharge/bleeding between periods, foul odor, pelvic pain
🔹Vaginal cancer: bleeding between periods/after sex, vaginal/pelvic/back pain, watery discharge, lump/mass felt internally
🔹Vulvar cancer: wart-like lumps/bumps, chronic itching, pain/burning, skin color changes (lighter/darker/red or pink), ulcers/sores, cauliflower like growths
Early detection and Prevention:
🔹See your OBGYN every year or sooner if you have symptoms!
🔹HPV Vaccination: Vaccination against HPV (between age 9-46) significantly reduces the risk of cervical and vaginal/vulvar cancer.
🔹Regular Screenings: Pap smears and HPV tests help detect cervical cancer early, improving treatment outcomes. If you have risk factors (ie. family history), specialized screening protocols (regular pelvic ultrasounds) may be recommended.
🔹Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and staying physically active can reduce the risk.
Always remember:
🔹Survival is increasing - early detection and treatment are key!
🔹Fertility preservation (egg/embryo freezing) should be considered in young women facing cancer, before cancer treatment - see a fertility specialist!
🔹Consider genetic testing if you have a strong family history.
Learn more about RMANY's commitment to oncofertility here: rmany.com/treatment-options/oncofertility
Dr. Lucky Sekhon lent her expertise on NBC News for Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, sharing important steps that can be taken to screen for gynecologic cancers — and to raise awareness on the signs/symptoms to look out for. She also spoke with Vicky Nguyen about the availability of IVF technology to eliminate the chance of cancer predisposing mutations from being passed on to future generations.
Here are some important things to know!
What are the common symptoms?
🔹Uterine cancer: irregular/heavy bleeding, watery/pink discharge, postmenopausal bleeding, pelvic pain, painful sex
🔹Ovarian cancer: persistent bloating, urinary symptoms, pelvic pain, feeling full
🔹Cervical cancer: bleeding after sex, discharge/bleeding between periods, foul odor, pelvic pain
🔹Vaginal cancer: bleeding between periods/after sex, vaginal/pelvic/back pain, watery discharge, lump/mass felt internally
🔹Vulvar cancer: wart-like lumps/bumps, chronic itching, pain/burning, skin color changes (lighter/darker/red or pink), ulcers/sores, cauliflower like growths
Early detection and Prevention:
🔹See your OBGYN every year or sooner if you have symptoms!
🔹HPV Vaccination: Vaccination against HPV (between age 9-46) significantly reduces the risk of cervical and vaginal/vulvar cancer.
🔹Regular Screenings: Pap smears and HPV tests help detect cervical cancer early, improving treatment outcomes. If you have risk factors (ie. family history), specialized screening protocols (regular pelvic ultrasounds) may be recommended.
🔹Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and staying physically active can reduce the risk.
Always remember:
🔹Survival is increasing - early detection and treatment are key!
🔹Fertility preservation (egg/embryo freezing) should be considered in young women facing cancer, before cancer treatment - see a fertility specialist!
🔹Consider genetic testing if you have a strong family history.
Learn more about RMANY's commitment to oncofertility here: rmany.com/treatment-options/oncofertility
