Essential Health Tips
FOR WOMEN ONLY
Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC
Magee-Womens Cancer Program's gynecologic oncology specialists
(pictured from left to right above) are:
Joseph L. Kelley, MD, Director,
Gynecologic Cancer Program;
Robert P. Edwards, MD, Director,
Gynecologic Oncology Research;
Kristin K. Zorn, MD, Thomas C.Krivak, MD,
and Paniti Sukumvanich, MD.
Women have special health needs throughout their lives. Following some
simple guidelines for check-ups can help you stay healthy by alerting
you to problems before they become difficult to treat.
SEE YOUR GYNECOLOGIST
If you are a woman over age 18 and/or sexually active, you should see
your gynecologist every year for a check-up. In your childbearing
years, your gynecologist can advise you about family planning and of
course, will care for you during pregnancy. But you’re not finished
with the gynecologist when you’ve finished having babies.
Gynecologists provide preventive health care tests, which help detect
health problems early. So, continue to visit your gynecologist every
year.
Depending on your gynecologist, your check-up may include:
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height, weight, and blood pressure
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past medical history and family medical history
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contraception or menopause management
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lab tests
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clinical breast exam
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exam of heart, lungs, and abdomen
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rectal exam
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pelvic exam
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cervical cancer screening (Pap test and/or HPV test)
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recommendations for cancer prevention and osteoporosis
prevention/screening
GET YOUR PAP TEST
The Pap test is used to help find cervical cancer as early as
possible. When cervical cancer is found early, it is easy to cure. The
Pap test also finds infection and other health problems of the vagina.
The Pap test is easily done in the doctor’s office. Some cells are
gently brushed from your cervix with a tiny plastic spatula or brush.
The cells are then examined in a lab to look for any cells that may be
precancerous or cancerous. The same cells can also be tested for HPV
(human papilloma virus), which can cause changes in the cells that can
lead to cancer.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED A PAP TEST?
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American
College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you should have your first Pap
test within
3 years after you start having sexual intercourse, or by the time you
are 21 years old.
Women under 30 should have a Pap test at least every 1 to 2 years. If
you’re age
30 or older, talk with your doctor about the best screening schedule
for you. If you have had a hysterectomy for reasons other than cancer,
talk with your doctor about when you might be able to discontinue Pap
tests altogether.
WHAT IF IT’S CANCER?
Treatment of female cancers requires the expertise of specialists
called gynecologic oncologists. These physicians are gynecologists who
have additional training in management of cancers of women’s
reproductive organs, including surgery, radiation therapy,
chemotherapy, and experimental treatments. These cancers include
endometrial, cervical, ovarian, uterine, fallopian tube, and vulvar.
Magee-Womens Gynecologic Cancer Program of UPMC Cancer Centers offers
treatment for women with any of these cancers. Our comprehensive
cancer care includes education, counseling, and palliative care. As
part of UPMC Cancer Centers, among the nation’s top-rated cancer
programs, Magee’s oncologists offer the benefits of years of
experience and the latest advances in research. Our doctors played a
key role in the development of the recently FDA-approved HPV vaccine,
a major breakthrough in the fight against cervical cancer.
If you have been diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, call the Magee-Womens
Cancer Program at 412-641-5411. Same-day or next day appointments are
available.
LOOKING FOR A GYNECOLOGIST?
Magee-Womens Hospital has gynecologists conveniently located in the
North
Hills. To find a gynecologist near you, call 1-866-My-Magee.
LOOKING FOR A SPEAKER?
Magee-Womens cancer specialists are available for speaking engagements
in the community and at the workplace.
Call 412-623-3455 to request a speaker.
The Sixth Annual Karen F. Bowers Memorial
Walk for the Whisper Ovarian Cancer Walk
Sunday, Sept. 17, North Park Boat House, 10 a.m.
Presenting sponsor: Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC
Proceeds from the five-mile/one-mile Walk benefit the Pittsburgh
Division of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and will be used to
raise awareness, promote education, and support ovarian cancer
research. For details, visit www.ovarianpgh.org or call 412-661-1095.
Why the Walk for the Whisper?
Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, especially in the early stages,
partly because the ovaries are located deep within the abdominal
cavity, one on each side of the uterus. And, unlike mammograms to
screen for breast cancer and Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer,
a reliable single test for early detection of ovarian cancer is not
yet available. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the potential
signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. See your doctor if any of the
following last more than two weeks:
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Pelvic or abdominal pain, discomfort; bloating, swelling, and/or
feeling of fullness
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Vague, but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and
indigestion
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Frequency and/or urgency of urination in absence of an infection
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Unexplained changes in bowel habits
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Unexplained weight gain or loss
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Ongoing unusual fatigue
Risk Factors
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Genetic predisposition
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Personal or family history of cancer of the breast (under age 50),
ovary (at any age), colon or prostate (under age 60)
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Increasing age
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No pregnancies, never took birth control pills, or did not breastfeed
Facts
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All women are at risk
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Symptoms exist—they can be vague, but increase over time
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Early detection increases survival rate
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A Pap test DOES NOT detect ovarian cancer
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While the symptoms of ovarian cancer (particularly in the early
stages)
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are often not acute or intense, they are not always silent; they
whisper, so listen.
Break the Silence . . . Walk for the Whisper
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