Aspirus Health Encourages Women To Receive Regular Gynecologic Cancer Screenings
9/1/2022
Dr.Evon Schexnaydra, Aspirus OB-GYN
Each year in the
United States, nearly 90,000 women are diagnosed with gynecological cancers,
and over 29,000 die from them, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).
September is
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and Aspirus Health would like to educate
women about the warning signs and the importance of early detection.
“Gynecologic cancer
is any cancer that starts in a woman’s reproductive organs, including ovarian,
uterine, and cervical cancer. All women are at risk for developing one or more
of these cancers, and risk increases with age,” says Dr. Evon Schexnaydre, an
Aspirus Board-Certified OB/GYN. “Regular screenings and exams can help detect
certain types of gynecologic cancers in earlier stages, when treatment is most
effective.”
Pelvic exams are
important to assess your gynecological health and help detect early-stage
cancer. These may be done during an annual exam, or your provider may recommend
one if you are experiencing unusual symptoms. A Pap test, which screens for
cervical cancer, is often performed along with a pelvic exam, depending on your
risk factors.
Dr. Schexnaydre adds
that, “women should follow their provider’s direction on timing of pelvic exams
and Pap tests based on their individual risk factors and symptoms.”
Dr. Evon Schexnaydre, Aspirus Board-Certified OB/GYN, talks about the warning signs of gynecological cancers.
The CDC suggests
that anyone who experiences warning signs that are abnormal for them for two
weeks or longer should see their provider. Common symptoms of gynecologic
cancers include:
- Pelvic
pain or pressure that doesn’t go away, and you don’t know why
- Feeling
too full, too fast, even when you eat just a little
- Unusual
vaginal bleeding, like having longer or heavier periods than what’s normal for
you, or bleeding after you’ve gone through menopause
- Unexplained
weight loss or weight gain
- Bowel
or bladder changes
“Some women have
continued to put off their wellness exams since the COVID-19 pandemic started,”
adds Dr. Schexnaydre. “These exams and preventative screenings can be
lifesaving. The sooner something is caught, the sooner it can be treated.”
Dr.
Evon Schexnaydre sees patients at Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic
(715-361-4700), Aspirus Woodruff Clinic – Maple Street (715-356-8140) and
Aspirus Langlade Hospital (715-623-2331). To find a provider in your area,
visit www.aspirus.org/find-a-provider.
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