In our country, after breast cancer, the most common gynecological cancers in women are uterine, cervical and ovarian cancers. Acıbadem University Faculty of Medicine Head of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department and Acıbadem Maslak Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics, Gynecological Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Mete Güngör, in his statement within the scope of September-Gynecological Cancers Awareness Month, told 6 misconceptions about gynecological cancers, and made important warnings and suggestions.
There is no cancer in my family, so I am not at risk: FALSE!
TRUE: Stating that having cancer in close family members increases the risk, Prof. Dr. Mete Güngör says that most of the cancers are caused by environmental and hormonal factors and wrong living habits without any mutation or family history. Noting that when all types are examined, only 10-15 percent of hereditary cancer types are encountered, Prof. Dr. Mete Güngör says: “These species are generally; breast, ovarian and colon cancers. For example; If there are inherited BRCA1 and 2 mutations, the probability of breast cancer is 85 percent, and the probability of ovarian cancer is around 20-40 percent. But even if these genes in the family are passed on to children, the probability of cancer is not 100 percent. In addition, some genetic disorders other than these well-known mutations can also inherit cancer.”
I have no complaints. Why would I get screened for cancer?: FALSE!
TRUE: Among the gynecological cancers, there is a screening program for cervical cancer. Screening begins at age 21 and continues every 3 years until age 70. These cancers are considered ‘overdue’ when they show symptoms. For this reason, stating that cancer screening should be done without any symptoms, Prof. Dr. Mete Güngör “Women who have regular cervical cancer screening are very rarely diagnosed with cervical cancer. There is no effective screening method for ovarian cancers and uterine cancer. However, even if there are no complaints, regular gynecological examinations allow the early diagnosis and treatment of these diseases says.
Cervical cancer is inherited in the family: FALSE!
TRUE: Stating that the cause of cervical cancer is the sexually transmitted HPV virus, Prof. Dr. Mete Güngör, however, says that it should not be thought that everyone who gets this virus will get cancer. Noting that there is no familial transmission in cervical cancer, Prof. Dr. Mete Güngör points out that those with a family history of cervical cancer are not at an extra risk.
If conization is done when HPV is detected, I get rid of HPV: FALSE!
TRUE: Prof. Dr. Mete Güngör “Detection of HPV infection does not indicate a defect in the cervix. If cell abnormalities are seen in the smear test and a disorder called pre-cancerous lesion in the cervix is detected in colposcopic biopsy, then it is surgically removed (conization). This process only cleans these cellular disorders in the cervix, not the HPV virus. The HPV virus continues to be found in normal cells in the cervix. HPV is cleared only by the immune system.
I have had an HPV infection. The vaccine doesn’t work: FALSE!
TRUE: Stating that HPV vaccine can be given to all men and women up to the age of 45, whether they have had HPV infection or not, Prof. Dr. Mete Güngör says: “Vaccination; It does not treat the existing HPV infection, it is done to prevent it. However, the studies carried out; It shows that there is a greater improvement in those who have HPV vaccination after the disorders that have occurred in the cervix due to HPV compared to those who do not. HPV vaccines are administered in 3 doses within a total of 6 months. After these 3 doses are done, it does not need to be repeated again. They provide lifetime protection against the HPV types found in vaccines.”
It is not possible to have children after the treatment of gynecological cancers: FALSE!
TRUE: In women of reproductive age who want to have children, it is possible to preserve the fertility of the patient by treating them according to the stage of the cancer. Gynecological Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Mete Güngör said, “Uterine cancer is very rare in the reproductive age, but if the disease in the reproductive age is at an early stage, the disease can be suppressed with hormonal therapy for 6-12 months and the patients can be provided with an opportunity to have a child. Ovarian cancer can occur at any age. If the disease is limited to one ovary in the young patient group, surgery is performed by preserving the other ovary and uterus. Cervical cancer can also occur at an early age. If the disease is at an early stage, surgery can be performed by preserving the cervix and removing only the cervix, thus preserving the fertility capacity. If the uterus cannot be protected, the ovaries are protected and removed from the radiation therapy area by hanging them on the upper abdomen to protect them from the possible effects of postoperative radiation therapy. In this way, the patient can have a child from a surrogate mother with his own eggs in the future, if he wishes.” says.
