Gynecologic Cancers & the Pap Smear “Myth”

It is estimated that there will be more than 91,000 new cases of gynecologic cancer diagnosed in the U.S. this year alone - resulting in a predicted 28,000 deaths.

Some gynecologic cancers are called “silent killers” because women are often unaware of the signs and symptoms and they assume that all gynecologic cancers are screened through a Pap smear.

Gynecologic cancer is an uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells that originate from the reproductive organs.

There are several types of gynecologic cancers which include cervical, gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), primary peritoneal, ovarian, uterine/endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancers.

Kristine Penner, M.D., gynecologic oncologist, MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, Long Beach Memorial, is here to discuss gynecologic cancer, the latest diagnoses and treatments.