September Is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month Moffitt Fact Sheet

Main Category: Ovarian Cancer
Also Included In: Cervical Cancer / HPV Vaccine
Article Date: 20 Sep 2004 - 16:00 PDT

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During September, gynecologic cancer awareness month, James Fiorica, M.D., Leader of the Gynecologic Oncology Program at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute is available for interviews.

According to the American Cancer Society, each year approximately 82,550 women in the United States are diagnosed with cancers affecting the reproductive organs.

Here are facts on gynecologic cancers from the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation:

-- Every seven minutes a woman is diagnosed with gynecologic cancer.

-- Gynecologic cancers are caused by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells originating in the female reproductive organs, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina and vulva.

-- Risk factors include smoking, aging, environmental influences, family history, failure to receive regular pap tests, not bearing children, infertility, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and estrogen use.

-- Gynecologic cancers warning signs and symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge; a sore that does not heal; pain or pressure in the pelvic area; a persistent change in bowel or bladder habits; frequent indigestion or abdominal bloating; and a thickening or lump that either causes pain or can be seen or felt.

-- Gynecologic cancers can be treated by surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and experimental treatments.

Ovarian cancer ranks fifth as a cause of cancer deaths among women and causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.

Uterine cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs. It is estimated that more than 40,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2004.

An estimate of more than 10,000 cases of invasive cervical cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2004. During 1992-1996, cervical cancer death rates declined by approximately 2.1 percent in the United States.

Vulvar cancer is a very curable disease. Treatment includes surgically removing vulvar lesions and the groin lymph nodes.

Vaginal cancer is very rare. It is usually diagnosed in elderly women with abnormal bleeding and treated with radiation.

Fallopian tubes cancer is rare.

In 2001, the National Cancer Institute awarded Moffitt the status of a Comprehensive Cancer Center in recognition of its excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country's leading cancer centers, and is listed in the U.S. News & World Report as one of the top cancer hospitals in America. Moffitt's sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

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Jean C. Johnson, Media Relations Specialist
Public Relations & Marketing Department
Moffitt Cancer Center
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Fax: 813-632-1380/813-558-4808
Email: Johnsojc@moffitt.usf.edu For more information, contact:
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