How to get the best available gynecological cancer care

November 1, 2024

Swedish Cancer Team

[5 MIN READ]

Gynecological cancer screening recommendations sometimes change as new research emerges, so always ask your provider to explain your options.
The symptoms of gynecological cancers can be similar to other health issues, so see your provider if you notice unusual bleeding, bloating, getting full quickly after eating or urinary frequency.
The HPV vaccine has been used for the safe and effective prevention of genital warts and cervical cancer since 2006 — if you haven’t had it yet, ask your doctor.

How to get the best available gynecological cancer care

At the Swedish Cancer Institute personalized care is used to deliver targeted and lifesaving treatments for gynecological cancers. To understand what this means for patient experiences and outcomes, we spoke with Chirag Shah, M.D., M.P.H., medical director of the Gynecologic Oncology & Pelvic Surgery at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, about prevention, screening and treatment of gynecological cancers, and care that’s tailored to every patient’s specific health and lifestyle needs.

Keep up on screening guidelines

Gynecological cancer research is ongoing. As more is learned about the causes, symptoms and treatments of these cancers, screening guidelines may occasionally change.

“When it comes to gynecological cancer screening, one of the most important things patients can do is to talk to their physician or advanced practice clinician on a regular basis,” says Dr. Shah. “Ask specifically about the most current recommendations.”

Cervical screenings that include a Pap test make it possible for providers to catch changes in cervical cells before cancer develops, so they can find cancer early on, when it’s easier to treat.

A cervical exam can include two types of cervical cancer screening tests:

A Pap test collects a small sample of cervical cells to look for cellular changes that could turn into cancer if not treated.
An HPV test tests some of the cells collected during the Pap test for human papillomavirus (HPV), which may lead to cancer.

Dr. Shah adds that the COVID-19 pandemic caused health care disruptions for many patients, which may have affected their gynecological cancer screening schedules.

“One thing we know is that since COVID, a significant proportion of women are overdue for routine health care screenings,” he says. “Patients who were on a five-year screening schedule may have unintentionally gone six or seven years without a screening.”

Get the gynecological cancer screening guidelines for patients of every age.

Ask about gynecological cancer co-testing

Pap tests and HPV tests can be done at the same time. This is called co-testing, and depending on your risk factors and your age, your provider may recommend it for you.

“The HPV test is actually as good if not better than just a routine Pap smear that can only identify abnormal cells, but we still feel like the most effective testing is to look for both abnormal cells and HPV,” says Dr. Shah.

If you are between the ages of 30 and 65, you may be able to opt for co-testing, which (according to current guidelines) means you would have both a Pap test and an HPV test every five years.

Pay attention to subtle symptoms

It can be easy to mistake gynecological symptoms for common, everyday issues that when experienced infrequently or on their own, might not seem concerning.

“There are a trio of symptoms — bloating, early satiety (feeling full quickly after eating) and urinary frequency — that can be markers for ovarian cancer,” says Dr. Shah. “It’s also important to pay attention to intensity and frequency — if the symptoms are happening more often and more intensely.”

Additionally, the ovaries are located deep in the abdomen, so tumors can grow without causing noticeable symptoms right away. By the time the symptoms become more severe, the cancer may have already spread.

The symptoms of other gynecological cancers may also be easily mistaken.

“With vulvar cancer, irritation and itching can be a symptom, and that is another common issue that people don’t necessarily act on,” Dr. Shah says.

“The most common endometrial cancer symptom is abnormal bleeding, a symptom that may also coincide with perimenopause, so even if a patient experiences irregular bleeding during perimenopause, they should get a biopsy.”

Learn more about ovarian cancer symptoms.

Focus on a healthy weight

“We always think of ovarian cancer as the more deadly gynecological cancer, but in 2024, more women in the United States will die of endometrial cancer — which is the most common type of uterine cancer — than ovarian cancer,” says Dr. Shah.

He adds that the incidence of uterine cancers has gone up significantly and obesity is the biggest driver.

“We know that smoking causes lung cancer, and we know that HPV causes ovarian cancer, but now we know that there is a direct correlation between obesity and uterine cancers,” he says.

Maintaining a healthy body weight may help protect patients from developing endometrial cancer and may also help cancer survivors experience more positive long-term outcomes. If you are interested in weight loss programs or support, Swedish Weight Loss Services offers a range of services to help you.

Ask for the HPV vaccine

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006, the HPV vaccination prevents genital warts and cervical cancer. HPV usually goes away on its own and most women with HPV do not develop cancer. But if your immune system doesn’t fight off an HPV infection, it may linger and turn normal cells into abnormal cells over time. If these cells are not found and removed, they can develop into cancer.

The HPV vaccine lowers the risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers — and the HPV vaccine isn’t just for preteen girls and young women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends the vaccine for boys starting at age 11 or 12 and for men up to age 21, regardless of whether they are sexually active.

“The HPV vaccination has been around for almost 20 years, and we've not seen any concerning safety signals associated with it during that period of time,” says Dr. Shah. “Some people are very concerned about vaccines, but we can confidently say that these are safe and effective.”

Learn more about how the HPV vaccine works.

Consider genetic testing

“Not everyone needs genetic testing for gynecological cancers, but if gynecological, breast or colon cancer runs in your family, your doctor may recommend genetic testing,” says Dr. Shah.

While ovarian cancer is rare in the general population, it is common in families who have a genetic predisposition to it. Patients with a family history may want to know their own genetic risk because it can help them make an informed decision about cancer prevention, such as which relatives should be screened and who may benefit from risk-reducing surgery.

A genetic counselor can help you determine how likely it is that you and any members of your family may benefit from genetic testing.

Learn about the genetic testing available at the Swedish Cancer Institute.

Look into clinical trials

For patients with cancer, genetic testing provides a molecular signature that can be used to match patients to clinical trials and targeted therapies, ensuring truly personalized care.

At the Swedish Cancer Institute, patients who are diagnosed with gynecological cancer can participate in clinical trials that are helping develop treatments to address cancer at the molecular level.

You can learn more about these trials at our website.

Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)

If you or someone you love needs access to gynecological cancer screening or the HPV vaccine, contact Swedish Women’s Health and Specialty Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician. For information about gynecological cancer care, contact the Swedish Cancer Institute.

You can also connect virtually with your doctor to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.

Information for patients and visitors