Every 6.4 minutes and more than 80,000 times per year, a woman in the United States is diagnosed with some form of gynecologic cancer. Ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers are among the most common forms.

This year, an estimated 26,000 women in the United States are expected to lose their lives to some form of gynecologic cancer. By visiting a gynecologist annually and knowing your family history, you are reducing your risk significantly.

Each type of gynecologic cancer has its own unique warning signs, risk factors and treatment options:

· For ovarian cancer, nonspecific abdominal pain, nausea, unexplained change in bowel and bladder habits, pain during intercourse and unexplained infertility are typical warning signs. Treatment options for ovarian cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

· For cervical cancer, symptoms may include bleeding after intercourse and vaginal discharge. The best way to detect and prevent this kind of cancer is by having an annual Pap test and pelvic exam.

· For endometrial cancer, irregular bleeding, such as postmenopausal bleeding, pain in the pelvic area and pain during intercourse are warning signs. Treatment options for this type of cancer include hysterectomy, radiation therapy and hormone treatment for irregular bleeding.

— Medical College of Georgia