Nicosia, Cyprus. Persistent bloating, abdominal discomfort and other unusual symptoms should not be ignored, as they may be early warning signs of gynaecological cancer, the Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends (Pasykaf) said on Tuesday.
The organisation is running a women’s health campaign promoting early diagnosis, noting that gynaecological cancers affect a significant number of women in Cyprus each year.
Prevention and regular screening
Pasykaf said awareness, prevention and regular gynaecological check-ups remain essential for protecting women’s health.
Georgia Orfanou, director of Pasykaf’s prevention and social marketing directorate, said self-care was neither selfish nor a luxury, but a responsibility.
“Let us put our health on our agenda. The Pap test, mammography when the time comes and regular appointments with a gynaecologist are among the most important acts of care we can offer ourselves,” Orfanou said.
Symptoms requiring assessment
Pasykaf said symptoms associated with gynaecological cancer can initially appear insignificant or be attributed to everyday life, hormonal changes or stress, but early medical evaluation is important.
Symptoms requiring prompt assessment include bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse, unusual vaginal bleeding after menopause, changes in vaginal discharge, persistent pelvic pain or pressure, and itching, burning, pain or discomfort in the vulva area.
The organisation also listed lumps, sores, or changes in the colour or skin of the genital area; persistent pain during sexual intercourse; persistent bloating or abdominal discomfort; and frequent urination or changes in bladder habits without an obvious cause.
HPV vaccination
Pasykaf said these symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer, but any persistent or unusual change should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
It added that cervical cancer is the only form of gynaecological cancer that can be largely prevented through HPV vaccination and regular check-ups.
The campaign is being implemented in cooperation with the Society of Dermatology and Venereology, the Gynaecological and Obstetrics Society, the Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, the Oncology Society and the Surgical Society.
