Oncoprevention in gynecology

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Oncology
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Gynaecological cancers represent a significant health concern, but many are preventable or detectable in early, pre-invasive stages.
• Lifestyle modifications and targeted screening are crucial for managing these cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize the various methods for the prevention and early detection of gynaecological cancers.
• To highlight the importance of screening modalities for different types of gynaecological malignancies.

Main Methods:

• Review of established screening techniques for cervical cancer, including visual inspection (VIA, VILI), Pap smear, colposcopy, and HPV testing.
• Discussion of diagnostic approaches for endometrial cancer, such as transvaginal ultrasound, endometrial thickness assessment, and various sampling methods (curettage, hysteroscopy).
• Overview of strategies for ovarian cancer early detection, including risk factor identification, awareness campaigns, pelvic exams, ultrasonography, tumor markers, and prophylactic surgery.

Main Results:

• Early detection of cervical cancer is feasible through multiple non-invasive and minimally invasive tests.
• Endometrial cancer detection involves imaging and tissue sampling, with risk stratification being key.
• Ovarian cancer screening relies on a combination of clinical assessment, imaging, and biomarkers, with prophylactic measures for high-risk individuals.
• Breast cancer screening primarily uses clinical breast examination and mammography; oral contraceptives and HRT show a minor risk increase.
• Molar pregnancies require follow-up for malignant transformation; hereditary cancers are linked to genetic disorders, but mass gene screening is not cost-effective.

Conclusions:

• A multi-faceted approach combining lifestyle changes, risk assessment, and appropriate screening tests is essential for the prevention and early diagnosis of gynaecological cancers.
• While screening methods exist for various gynaecological cancers, their application and cost-effectiveness vary, particularly for genetic screening in hereditary cases.