Gynecologic Cancer Prevention and Screening at UPMC in Central Pa.

A diagnosis of gynecologic cancer doesn’t have to determine a woman’s fate. In fact, early detection can help a woman take action toward future prevention and cure.

Each year, approximately 82,000 women will be told they have gynecologic cancer and other complicated conditions of the female reproductive system. This includes ovarian, cervical, uterine, endometrial, peritoneal, vulvar, vaginal and other pelvic diseases. Each of these conditions has significant differences in cause, prevention, detection, treatment and the likelihood of cure.

Part of being a healthy woman is maintaining your gynecologic health. Many of the conditions that affect reproductive health may be detected early, which often provides for a more positive diagnosis and successful treatment.

Active Prevention Program

Many patients who are referred to the Women’s Cancer Program do not have cancer. Working together as partners and resource support with primary health care providers and obstetricians/gynecologists, our Active Prevention Program provides early intervention for women at risk of developing gynecologic cancer.

Prevention Services

• Comprehensive risk assessment and evaluation of your personal and family medical history, including possible recommendation for genetic testing.
• Identification and treatment of conditions that may lead to cancer, such as dysplasia.
• Medical treatment which may include pelvic examination, Pap smear, colposcopy, cryotherapy, LEEP, laser treatments, outpatient and minimally invasive surgical procedures.
• Imaging and lab testing.
• A recommended prevention program, including information and resources to improve the quality of your health and contribute to your overall state of wellness.
• Consideration of HPV Vaccine.

Risk Factors

• Human papilloma virus (HPV) related disorders such as abnormal Pap smears or dysplasia
• Vaginal or vulvar lesions
• Personal history of breast cancer
• A first degree relative (mother, sister, daughter, father, brother, son) has had a cancer of the breast, ovaries, uterus or colon
• A first degree relative with a positive BRCA or Lynch genetic mutation
• You have had a previous history of cancer of the breast or reproductive tract
• You have a personal history of endometriosis
• You do not have annual Pap smears and gynecologic exams, are over age 18 and sexually active
• You have a history of abnormal Pap smears
• You are a smoker
• You have a history of infertility
• You are overweight
• You are taking unopposed estrogen or Tamoxifen
• You are a known BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 carrier
• You are a know Lynch carrier

It is our goal to assess and evaluate these factors and provide prevention, early detection, treatment and education to our patients on an individual basis.

Warning Signs

A woman’s intuition is often the best weapon in detecting abnormalities in her body. Assessing your risk factors and alerting yourself and your physician to warning signals and symptoms are the best methods for early detection. Warning signs include:

• Changes in urinary or bowel habits
• Abnormal discharge
• Menstrual irregularities
• Bleeding after menopause
• Pain or bleeding with intercourse
• Unusual abdominal swelling or pain
• Lesion or lump of the Vulvar
• Unexplained blood clots of the legs

Resources

The following resources and forms are available to download.

• Physician Referral Form (PDF)
• New Patient: Welcome Letter (PDF)
• New Patient - Forms (PDF)
• New Patient: Confidentiality Form (PDF)

Contact Us

Need more information? Call:
West Shore: 717-221-5940
East Shore: 717-230-3026

Request Information.