Women’s Health (PCOS Awareness Month)
Gynecological Cancer + PCOS Awareness Month
September is recognized as Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month, as well as PCOS Awareness Month. The reason for the large amount of overlap is directly tied to the large amount of overlap these all have with each other. PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is directly correlated to an increased risk of developing any form of Gynecological Cancers. These include Cervical, Ovarian, Uterine, Vaginal, Vulvar, and Fallopian Tube Cancers.
Many people consider September to be a more general Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month, while others consider it to just be focused on Ovarian and Uterine Cancers. Similarly, January is considered to be Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, while others simply loop it in with the other Gynecological cancers.
What is PCOS?
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a medical condition that affects the female reproductive system.
PCOS is a condition where cysts (small fluid-filled sacs) form on the ovaries. PCOS can cause irregular menstruation and is a common cause of infertility, affecting an estimated 5 million people.
1 in 10 AFAB individuals are diagnosed with PCOS. That is estimated to be around 10-15%.
50% of AFAB people with PCOS go undiagnosed.
It costs an estimated 13.8 billion dollars annually for the American healthcare system to diagnose and treat PCOS.
More than half of people diagnosed with PCOS will develop type 2 diabetes by the time they turn 40. This is often attributed to insulin resistance, when the body cannot properly utilize the insulin it is creating.
Along with this, PCOS increases the risk of gestational diabetes (diabetes exclusively during pregnancy), heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and stroke.
PCOS is also heavily linked to depression and anxiety, though the connection is not fully understood.
Common symptoms of PCOS include acne, excessive hair growth, darkening of the skin in body creases (also known as acanthosis nigricans), irregular periods, and weight gain.
Despite affecting millions of AFAB individuals, and its association with serious medical issues, PCOS is still largely unknown to the majority of people.
Gynecological Cancers
Gynecological cancers are any cancers that begin in the female reproductive organs. These cancers are:
Cervical Cancer: cancer that begins in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow end of the uterus.
Ovarian Cancer: cancer that begins in the ovaries, which are located on either side of the uterus.
Uterine Cancer: cancer that begins in the uterus, the pear-shaped organ in the pelvis where the baby grows during pregnancy.
Vaginal Cancer: cancer that begins in the vagina, the hollow, tube-like channel between the uterus and the outside of the body.
Vulvar Cancer: cancer that begins in the vulva, the outer part of the female genitals.
Fallopian Tube Cancer: a very rare form of cancer that begins in the fallopian tubes, the thin, hollow tubes connecting the ovaries and the uterus, where the eggs travel during ovulation.
Each cancer has its own symptoms and warning signs, as well as some shared between each other.
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Bleeding after sex
Bleeding, spotting, or discharge after menopause
Bleeding between periods or periods that are heavier and or longer than usual
Discharge that is watery and has a strong odor, or contains blood
Pelvic pain or pain during sex
Difficult or painful bowel movements and/or urination
Blood in urine or bowel movements
Back pain
Swelling of the legs
Pelvic and/or lower abdominal pain
Excessive fatigue
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Bloating
Pelvic and/or lower abdominal pain
Trouble eating and/or feeling full quickly
Frequent urination or constant feeling of need to urinate
Excessive fatigue
Upset stomach
Back pain
Pain during sex
Constipation
Bleeding between periods or periods that are heavier and or longer than usual
Abdominal swelling with weight loss
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Bleeding between periods or periods that are heavier and or longer than usual
Unusual spotting
Unusual discharge
Bleeding, spotting, or discharge after menopause
Pelvic and/or lower abdominal pain
Ability to feel a mass
Unusual weight loss
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Bleeding after sex
Unusual discharge
A noticeable mass or lump in the vagina
Pain during sex
Painful urination
Constipation
Pelvic and/or lower abdominal pain
Back pain
Swelling of the legs
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Visual differences in the vulva (lighter or darker than normal, pink or red appearance)
A bump or lump, which could be red, pink, or white, and could have a wart-like or raw surface, or feel rough or thick
Thickening of the skin of the vulva
Itching
Burning
Pain
Bleeding or discharge not related to the normal menstrual cycle
An open sore (especially if it lasts longer than a month)
The Connection Between PCOS and Gynecological Cancers
It is estimated that having PCOS increases the risk of gynecological cancers by more than double. While this connection is common, it is still important to note that a diagnosis with any gynecological condition like PCOS or Endometriosis does not automatically mean you will develop any form of gynecological cancer. It is important to take care of your body and recognize signs that something is not right, as well as maintain routine check-ups like yearly pap smears to ensure everything is working as it should. If something seems off to you, schedule an appointment with your gynecologist or primary care physician and discuss these changes with them.
It is also important to note that AFAB gender non-conforming individuals are still at risk for both PCOS and gynecological cancers, even when on testosterone. Hysterectomies can help prevent some of these cancers, but PCOS is still a risk, even if you get your ovaries removed as well. It is important to seek care for those areas still, especially if you are sexually active.
Resources
For more information on Gynecological Cancers, treatment options, and more, check out the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org
For more information on PCOS, treatment options, and more, check out the National PCOS Association at www.pcoschallenge.org
For more information on general reproductive health, check out the Office of Women's Health at www.womenshealth.org
Written by:
Wren Aris
Sponsored by:
Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion
