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Article Category: Highlights

Lower Your Risk & Recognize Signs of Gynecological Cancer

Published on September 27, 2021

Last updated 08:28 AM August 24, 2023

Woman stretching on the floor with a set of dumbbells and hand weights.

In recent years, most cervical cancers have become completely preventable with a vaccine, and there are screening tests to identify it early. However, it’s important for women to understand the warning signs of gynecological cancers that don’t have screening tests, such as:

  • Endometrial (uterine) cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Vaginal cancer
  • Vulvar cancer
  • Other rare types

Lower your risk for gynecological cancer

At your annual women’s health appointment, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your family history and lifestyle choices that can make a positive impact on your health. Here are some ideas to consider lowering your risk for different types of gynecological cancer:

  • Share your family history with your healthcare provider. Only about 5 to 10% of gynecological cancers are genetic, according to Wellstar Gynecologic Oncologist Dr. Amy Carroll. However, some patients may benefit from genetic risk assessment, which looks for hereditary gene mutations that increase an individual’s risk for ovarian cancer.
  • Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight. Women who are overweight have a higher risk of being diagnosed with the most common type of endometrial (uterine) cancer– and for the cancer to return after treatment. This is a challenge for many people and your health providers want you to feel empowered–not embarrassed–to discuss your BMI, nutrition, weight reduction and wellness.
  • Stay tobacco-free or quit tobacco. Again, many health providers can help women with education and resources to quit smoking or vaping for the long haul. Quitting tobacco can reduce your risk for some gynecological cancers and many other health conditions.

Watch for changes in your body & talk to your doctor

Because there are no screening tests for gynecological cancers other than cervical cancer, it is important for women to be educated on the signs and symptoms—and to act on them.

“Unfortunately, there are many vague symptoms associated with a lot of gynecologic issues,” Dr. Carroll said. “Typically, I tell people if you have any symptom that doesn’t come and go but persists for a couple weeks or more, it’s worthwhile to talk to somebody about it.”

Dr. Carroll said that one symptom patients should always discuss with their provider is post-menopausal bleeding. Also, while most people experience occasional bloating, persistent bloating can be a sign of ovarian cancer and should be discussed with a provider, she said.

Signs & symptoms of gynecological cancer

Some gynecological symptoms to discuss with your doctor include:

  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause
  • Excessively heavy menstrual cycles
  • Abnormal bleeding between periods
  • Unexplained pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating or nausea
  • Discharge or pain with intercourse
  • Severe change in bowel or bladder habits
  • A heavy feeling in the pelvis
  • A sore or lump in your vulva

The highest level of treatment for gynecological cancer

The physicians and healthcare teams at Wellstar are focused on keeping women healthy and preventing and lowering the risk of cancer and other health conditions. However, when a woman does get gynecological cancer, she has access to a team of experienced and knowledgeable gynecological cancer experts close to home.

Our gynecologic cancer care program includes:

  • A gynecological cancer-specific multidisciplinary tumor conference where gynecological oncologists, radiation and pathologists meet to diagnose and plan treatment.
  • Gynecologic cancer surgeons who perform procedures robotically, laparoscopically or as open procedures, based on evidence-based practices that lead to the best outcomes.
  • A robust support network that includes cancer-specific nutritional counseling, genetic counseling, nurse navigation, psychological counseling and more.
Wellstar Research Institute and Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers work closely with select local and national partners to give patients access to the latest clinical trials without leaving their communities.

Most health plans cover preventative care services—like vaccines and screening tests—at no additional cost. For people without insurance, Wellstar practices have low-cost annual exams that include evaluation for cervical cancer and a Pap test if it is medically appropriate. To find a physician, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or schedule online by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of any page.

Learn more about gynecological cancer

Take control of your health and learn easy ways to prevent and screen for cervical cancer.

If you have any symptom that doesn’t come and go but persists for a couple weeks or more, it’s worthwhile to talk to somebody about it.

- Dr. Amy Carroll

Wellstar Gynecologic Oncologist

Tags

Amy Rae Carroll Cancer Care Womens Health
Primary Care
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Commemorate Cancer Survivors Day with Wellstar

Wellstar supports people with cancer throughout their journeys, from early screenings to diagnosis to treatment. But our encouragement and dedication to delivering world-class, compassionate care doesn’t end in remission.

Across our system, Wellstar honors the bravery and strength of survivors every day, rejoicing in each milestone. This National Cancer Survivors Day, June 1, 2025, we are proud to pay tribute to the people who have conquered cancer and offer hope to those still fighting. This year’s Cancer Survivors Day theme—Strike Out Cancer—exemplifies our commitment to being a steadfast source of encouragement for cancer survivors and fighters across Georgia.

“On Cancer Survivors Day, we reflect on our patients’ journeys and cherish victories over cancer. We also offer compassion and support for people currently fighting cancer, so they and their loved ones know they’re not alone,” said Wellstar Director of Oncology Professional Practices Melissa Higdon.

Several Wellstar facilities will host events—and you can be a part of the celebration!

 

Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers in Cartersville
June 5, 2025
10 AM to 3 PM
100 Market Place Blvd., Cartersville
Contact Mary Ellen Smither at [email protected] or (678) 858-1146.

Wellstar Cobb Medical Center
May 30, 2025
12 to 2 PM     
4040 Hospital West Drive, Austell
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Contact Ashley Dapremont at [email protected] or (470) 732-4523.

Wellstar Douglas Medical Center
June 7, 2025
11 AM to 2 PM
8954 Hospital Drive, Douglasville
Surgical services lobby
Contact Diane Harris at [email protected] or (470) 644-5411.

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
June 7, 2025
11 AM to 2 PM
320 Kennestone Hospital Blvd., Marietta
First floor
Required RSVP, contact Nancy Page at [email protected] or (470) 793-7470.

Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center
June 1, 2025
2 to 4 PM
3000 Hospital Blvd., Roswell
Main lobby in hospital
Contact Sarah Bentley at [email protected] or (770) 751-2556.

Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
June 1, 2025
144 Bill Carruth Parkway, Hiram
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Contact Kellie Mitchell at [email protected] or (470) 644-8106.

Wellstar Spalding Medical Center
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Contact Sherry Connell at [email protected] or (470) 935-5526.

Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
June 6, 2025
10 AM to 12 PM
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Contact Stephanie Hand at [email protected].

Learn more about cancer care at Wellstar.

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Wellstar Expanding Cancer Care in Spalding County

At Wellstar Spalding Medical Center, we are your dedicated healthcare partner—putting you at the center of your cancer care and helping you navigate with clarity, hope and compassion. That’s why we’re proud to expand our medical oncology and infusion services to better serve our community.

The state-of-the-art cancer care facility promises greater access to advanced cancer treatments and improved convenience for patients in the Spalding community and surrounding areas.

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Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center Renews Accreditation for Rectal Cancer Program

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has earned another three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to providing personalized, high-quality cancer care close to home for patients in Georgia.

To achieve voluntary NAPRC accreditation, a rectal center must demonstrate compliance with the NAPRC standards addressing program management, clinical services and quality improvement for patients. Centers are required to establish a multidisciplinary rectal cancer team that includes clinical representatives from surgery, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology and medical oncology.

At Wellstar, rectal cancer patients have a multidisciplinary team on their side through every step of treatment. Each patient works with a nurse navigator to schedule appointments with specialists. Patients meet with a medical oncologist, as well as a surgical oncologist or colorectal surgeon. Imaging and lab tests are reviewed by a multidisciplinary board of rectal cancer physicians, efficiently providing patients with input from several experts in cancer care. During the course of treatment, that multidisciplinary board will continue to follow the patient and discuss the best next steps, tailoring care to fit each patient’s individual needs.

Additionally, the program at Wellstar Kennestone met standards addressing the clinical services that the rectal cancer program provides, including Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA testing), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computerized Tomography (CT) imaging for cancer staging, which allow patients to start treatment within a defined timeframe. Rectal cancer programs accredited by the NAPRC undergo a site visit every three years and are also accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.  

“Our patients are surrounded by a team of experienced rectal cancer experts who provide the highest level of personalized care,” said Wellstar Surgical Oncologist Dr. Sahir Shroff, who serves as the rectal cancer program chair.  “We are proud to be the first medical center in metro Atlanta to receive this important accreditation. Our pioneering efforts to adhere to the most rigorous standards and combine the latest technologies and techniques help us achieve excellence in rectal cancer care for our patients.”

Accreditation by the NAPRC is granted only to those programs that are committed to providing the best possible care to patients with rectal cancer. The NAPRC provides the structure and resources to develop and operate a high-quality rectal center. Accredited programs follow a model for organizing and managing a rectal center to ensure multidisciplinary, integrated, comprehensive rectal cancer services. Wellstar Kennestone earned its first accreditation in 2022.

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