There are five main types of gynecologic cancers to regularly monitor and discuss with a doctor.

Because symptoms of cervical, ovarian, uterine (endometrial), vaginal, and vulvar cancers can have subtle symptoms, downplaying them can make a later diagnosis more serious and treatment challenging.

That’s why yearly well-woman visits with a pelvic exam are essential. They can be done by a gynecologist, midwife, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant with women's health training. Many primary care doctors also cover well-woman exams as part of their routine care services.

• Get your first pelvic exam with Pap test at age 21
• A Pap will only screen for cervical cancer or abnormal changes within the cervix
• Continue routine pelvic exams every year to help identify other gynecological conditions
• Repeat Pap test every three years until age 29
• Confirm you are fully vaccinated for the Human papillomavirus (HPV) by age 26
• Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent HPV-related cancers

• Continue yearly pelvic exams and well-woman’s visits
• Understand that the risk of developing gynecologic cancers increases with age
• Your changing body from fertility to perimenopause can hide gynecological cancer symptoms
• Endometrial cancer is the most common type. It is often diagnosed after age 40, and can show up earlier.
• Complete a Pap smear and co-test for the Human papillomavirus (HPV) every five years

• Keep getting yearly pelvic exams and well-woman’s visits
• The risk of developing gynecologic cancers increases with age and are most prevalent in this group
• Individuals who have completed menopause tend to stop annual well-woman visits at a time when still important
• Natural menopause usually occurs around age 50 and is defined when a woman hasn’t had a period 12 months in a row
• Seek medical attention immediately for any vaginal bleeding or spotting post menopause
• Watch out for abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, pelvic pain, bloating, and changes in bowel or bladder habits. Discuss these with your doctor

There may be exceptions to the above guidelines. Consult with a Corewell Health medical doctor to determine if you should be checked for gynecologic cancers more frequently.