Cancer Observance Calendar
August

August is National HPV Immunization Awareness Month

KNOW THE FACTS:
-The HPV vaccine can protect your child’s future because it helps prevent cancer later in life.
-HPV is a common virus that can cause 6 types of cancer.
-Prevention Matters! HPV cannot be treated, but there is a vaccine that can prevent it.
-The HPV vaccine works best when given between ages 9 and 12, for boys and girls.
-The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and long-lasting.

The truth about HPV:
-Almost 35,000 people get HPV cancers in the United States every year.
-HPV is very common. Eight out of ten people will get HPV at some point in their lives.
-HPV vaccinations can prevent more than 90% of HPV cancers when given at the recommended ages.

Cancers caused by HPV:
Oral            Penile          Vulva      Anal       Vaginal       Cervical

Uterine and Ovarian Cancer

Uterine (Endometrial) and Ovarian cancer have a strong genetic correlation. Knowing whether you have inherited a cancer-related
gene may help you and your doctors determine a plan for early detection and prevention. If inherited risk is suspected, you may want
to consider genetic testing.
Ovarian cancer has been called the silent killer, but if you listen closely, your body may be trying to tell you something. Ovarian cancer has
symptoms that are subtle and vague, and often ignored or chalked up to something else. By the time symptoms become more serious, the cancer is often at an advanced state and more difficult to treat.
Unlike ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer (also known as uterine cancer) will often have recognizable symptoms early on. Endometrial
cancer begins in the layer of cells that form the lining (endometrium) of the uterus. Sometimes called uterine cancer, it’s the most common type of cancer that affects the female reproductive organs. With roughly 60,000 new cases of uterine cancer diagnosed every year, it’s also one of the only cancers increasing in the United States. Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. If you catch both of these cancers early, they’re very treatable. The five-year survival rate for cancer that hasn’t spread is more than 90% for ovarian and endometrial cancer.
Women should be mindful of changes to their digestion, appetite or weight and talk to a health care provide if these symptoms persist for
two weeks or more.
Symptoms common to both ovarian and endometrial cancers include:
-Bleeding after menopause
-Bleeding between periods
-Periods that are heavier or longer than usual
-Unusual vaginal discharge
-Pelvic pain or pressure
-Pain during sex
Additional symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
-Feeling full too quickly or difficulty eating
-Bloating
-Abdominal or back pain
-More frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation

At this time, there are no good screening tools for ovarian or endometrial cancer, so it’s important to be aware of risk factors and pay
attention to your body. These symptoms are often a result of something other than cancer, but it’s always best to follow up with your primary care provider or gynecologist if you’ve been in pain or uncomfortable for some time.