Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in September is essential to be celebrated since it brings to light information regarding different gynecologic cancers, and how they affect women across the globe. What are gynecological cancers, you ask? These are forms of cancers that affect the female reproductive system, including the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vulva, and vagina. The fact that makes it essential to discuss gynecological cancers is that every woman is at risk and not all survive. This month, celebrate the day by getting checked or ensuring women around you visit the nearest hospital. The more you know about this form of cancer, the better!
History of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
According to research by the Centers for Disease Control in the United States, approximately 89,000 women are diagnosed with gynecological cancers every year. Unfortunately, about 29,000 die from numerous diseases. That means hundreds of children lose their mothers, and thousands of parents lose their daughters. However, these deaths can be prevented if the signs and symptoms are recognized before the cancers reach a critical stage. It is also important to note that the risk of these cancers increases with age.The different categories of gynecological cancers include cervical cancer, an infection of the cervix with human papillomavirus (HPV), and uterine cancer, a type of disease where the cancer is formed in the tissues of the uterus. The two types of uterine cancer are endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Then there is ovarian cancer that has three types: ovarian epithelial cancer, which begins in the tissue covering the ovary, lining of the fallopian tube, or the peritoneum; ovarian germ cell tumors, which start in the egg or germ cells; and ovarian low malignant potential tumors, that form in the tissue covering the ovary. Other forms of gynecological cancers that require attention include vaginal cancer, uterine sarcoma, and vulvar cancer.Due to the threat of such critical cancers, Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month was formed by the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC). The purpose behind the month was to spread awareness and encourage research that provides a cure to the thousands of women suffering. According to the American Association for Cancer Research,16,900,000 gynecologic cancer survivors are living in the U.S.
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month timeline
Hervy E. Averette and John J. Mikuta identify a need for a medical society for gynecologic oncology.
Researchers decode the ovarian cancer genome in “The Cancer Genome Atlas Project.”
Two ovarian cancer subtypes are identified.
Pre-surgery chemotherapy proves to be an effective option for advanced ovarian cancer.
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month FAQs
What color ribbon is for gynecological cancer?
A teal ribbon is worn for Gynecologic Cancer Awareness
What is the most common gynecologic cancer?
The most common gynecological cancer is uterine cancer.
What are the 5 gynecological cancers?
The types of gynecologic cancer include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar.
How to Observe Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
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Get checked
If you are a woman, the best way to celebrate the day is to get yourself checked and find out if there is anything that needs immediate attention.
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Talk about it
Discuss the issue of gynecologic cancer and how big of a danger it is to women. Millions of people are still unaware that these cancers even exist.
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Wear the ribbon
Wear the teal ribbon that represents Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month to show solidarity with the patients.
5 Facts You Need To Know About Gynecologic Cancer
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Gynecologic cancer diagnosis
Every five minutes, someone is diagnosed with one of these cancers.
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Number of deaths caused
Over 33,000 die from gynecologic cancer.
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The hereditary cancers
The hereditary cancers include breast- and ovarian cancer.
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Vaginal cancers are rare
1,000 women are diagnosed with it every year.
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The common age for cervical cancer
The common age for cervical cancer is over 50.
Why Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month is Important
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It spreads awareness
The month is essential in spreading awareness and informing women regarding the different cancers they need to look out for.
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It’s informative
The month provides solutions and also gives information that aids many women in tracing gynecologic cancers at an early stage in life.
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It saves lives
Due to the awareness caused during the month, lives are saved as many women end up getting checked. They also keep a lookout for signs of cancer
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2024 | September 1 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
