September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month

In honour of Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, the ARC portal would like to take this opportunity to encourage the public to learn more about gynaecological cancers, including early detection, sign and symptoms.

• Gynaecological cancers include malignancies that develop in the female reproductive system. These include the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vulva, and vagina
• In Australia alone, it is estimated that 6,777 new cases of gyanecological cancers will be diagnosed in 2022. Sadly, it is estimated that a female has a 1 in 23 (4.4%) chance of being diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer by the age of 85.
• Possible symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after menopause, or during or after sexual intercourse, abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, frequent urination, pelvic pain, unexplained weight loss
• Early detection is key for gynaecological cancers. Regular cervical screening, also known as the pap smear test, is recommended for women over 25 years of age.