Get screened: How early detection of reproductive cancers can preserve fertility

Many reproductive cancers, such as ovarian and endometrial cancers, develop silently without noticeable early symptoms.

KOUSALYA SELVAM
KOUSALYA SELVAM
25 Jan 2025 11:00am
Early-stage cancers often allow for fertility-sparing surgeries and reduce the need for extensive treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Photo AI generated
Early-stage cancers often allow for fertility-sparing surgeries and reduce the need for extensive treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Photo AI generated

Detecting reproductive cancers early can significantly improve treatment outcomes, especially for women who wish to preserve their fertility.

Early-stage cancers often allow for fertility-sparing surgeries and reduce the need for extensive treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

However, many reproductive cancers, such as ovarian and endometrial cancers, develop silently without noticeable early symptoms. This makes regular screenings and vigilance crucial, particularly for warning signs like unexplained bleeding or persistent bloating.

Speaking to Sinar Daily, Prince Court Medical Centre Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) specialist Dr Vigneswaran Ramakrishnan said early detection is crucial.

"The earlier we detect you are having cancer and the smaller the size of the tumor, the easier for us to offer you fertility-sparing surgery and there's a lower risk of you needing radiotherapy or chemotherapy," he said.

Despite these advantages, Dr Vigneswaran highlighted the challenges in detecting reproductive cancers early. For cervical cancer, he said screening methods such as pap smears, liquid-based cytology, and Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing are well-established.

However, for ovarian and endometrial cancers, effective screening tools are scarce.

"However, the only screening method available for reproductive women in gynae pelvic cancers in using the pap smear or liquid-based cytology and HPV for ovarian endometrial cancer, normally you have no symptoms or even if you have symptoms you may be too late.

"So its good for you to get an annual ultrasound or blood check every one to two years just to be safe if you are in high-risk category," he advised.

According to Dr Vigneswaran, ovarian cancer often exhibits no symptoms in its early stages. Most patients only begin to notice signs such as bloating, loss of appetite, or unexplained weight loss once the disease has progressed to stage three or four.

Similarly, endometrial cancer may remain unnoticed until symptoms like prolonged or irregular bleeding occur.

"For cervical cancer, symptoms such as unexplained vaginal bleeding, bleeding after intercourse, or abnormal discharge may point to a pre-cancerous or cancerous lesion. Even so, these symptoms don’t always signify cancer, so it’s critical to get checked by a healthcare professional.

"Ovarian cancer normally has no symptoms, if you start having bloating sensation or loss of weight or loss of appetite, most of the time, you're already in stage three or stage four," he added.

Dr Vigneswaran further stressed the importance of regular screenings, particularly for women in high-risk categories or those with a family history of cancer.

Annual ultrasounds and periodic blood marker tests every one to two years could help detect abnormalities earlier. Screening and Prevention in Malaysia Malaysia offers cervical cancer screening for women who are sexually active or over the age of 18.

The expert said liquid-based cytology and HPV testing have largely replaced the traditional Pap smear, providing more reliable results.

Unfortunately, no recognised screening tests currently exist for ovarian or endometrial cancers.

"For cancer of ovaries, and endometrium, there is no recognised screening test but you can avail yourself to annual ultrasound and consult with your gynecologist who deals with cancer if you have a high risk or any family history of cancer," he said.

He also said that lifestyle factors also play a significant role in reducing the risk of certain reproductive cancers. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and staying physically active can lower the likelihood of endometrial cancer.

In the case of cervical cancer, which is primarily caused by HPV infection, prevention strategies include practicing safe intercourse and limiting multiple sexual partners.

Dr Vigneswaran urged women to pay attention to warning signs and seek medical advice promptly if they notice anything unusual.

"Awareness is the key, by prioritising regular screenings and taking action at the first sign of trouble, women can improve their chances of early detection and successful treatment," he said.

Download Sinar Daily application.Click Here!