The month of September is being observed as Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about cancers that affect women’s reproductive systems.

Some of these cancers include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. As the name suggests, cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops from the cervix, or the layer of the wall of the cervix, while ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that forms in the ovaries.

Uterine cancer or womb cancer develops from the tissues of the uterus, while vaginal cancer develops in the tissue of the vagina. Meanwhile, vulvar cancer occurs on the vulvar, the outer portion of the female genitals.

Warning signs of cervical cancer

• Vaginal bleeding after sex
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Pelvic pain during sex
• Watery or bloody vaginal discharge

Warning signs of ovarian cancer

• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Weightloss
• Pain in pelvic area
• Frequent urination

Warning signs of uterine cancer

• Irregular bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Abdominal pain

Warning signs of vulvar cancer

• Pain during urination
• Pain and tenderness
• Lump of sore
• Bleeding that isn’t from menstruations

Warning signs of vaginal cancer

• Pain in the pelvic area or rectum
• Bloody vaginal discharge related to menstrual period
• A lump in the vagina
• Painful urination