Vaginal Cancer
One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in and where you want to go — Sheila Murray Bethel
image by: Teal's the Deal
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Sharing your diagnosis....to tell, or not to tell
Having a cancer diagnosis, particularly a vaginal cancer diagnosis, brings with it the awkward position of either having to tell people what's going on or trying to keep it to yourself. In my case, I wasn't inclined to broadcast to friends and family that I had cancer of the vag....so I told only those I had to. Like my bosses, and my direct reports--both of whom would obviously notice the sudden departures from work for treatments. The curse of being a workaholic is that everyone comes to expect that you're always at work, so when you're not, it's somewhat conspicuous.
So in total, probably about 5 or 6 people at work knew I had cancer. I gotta say I think it would have been…
Resources
50% Of Men Don't Know Where The Vagina Is, According To UK Study
Additionally, knowing the anatomy can help both men and women detect gynecological cancers early, and early detection generally means better treatment success. Why men? Well, a woman's partner often can have vantage points that the woman can not have (without setting up a series of mirrors angled in the right direction) and see abnormalities sooner. This is yet another reason not to keep your eyes closed throughout sex.
Left Out: Why Is It So Hard for Older Women to Get the HPV Vaccine?
Doctors stop recommending the HPV vaccine to women once they've reached their mid-20s. But is it a good idea for older individuals who still want it?
My Cancer Doesn't Get a Fun Run
I sit here and I write this blog because in my heart, as I was going through this, I was thinking about all the people in the world who are too afraid or shamed to even be tested for cancers like mine. There is no need to be ashamed of our bodies at all. There is no need to hide from the parts of us that get sick. Our bodies come with parts.
Sharing your diagnosis....to tell, or not to tell
Having a cancer diagnosis, particularly a vaginal cancer diagnosis, brings with it the awkward position of either having to tell people what's going on or trying to keep it to yourself. In my case, I wasn't inclined to broadcast to friends and family that I had cancer of the vag....so I told only those I had to.
Confessions of a Cancer Patient
Daily diary of a woman diagnosed with a rare cancer. Neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma of the vagina.
The Dancer with Cancer - Yikes, Vaginal Cancer!
For women recently diagnosed and looking for shelter from the storm.
The Eve Appeal
Changes to the cells in the lining of the vagina called Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VAIN) can mean you are more at risk of getting vaginal cancer. These changes are not enough to make the cells cancerous, but they could become cancerous if not treated.
Suvanna's Cancer Blog 1
To communicate updates to friends, family and whoever is interested...
What Kind of Cancer?
What to expect when the answer is: VAGINAL CANCER.
Cancer Research UK
Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer in the UK, accounting for around 1% of all gynaecological cancers.
Cancer.net
Treatment options and recommendations depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, possible side effects, and the patient’s preferences and overall health. Your care plan may also include treatment for symptoms and side effects, an important part of cancer care. Take time to learn about all of your treatment options and be sure to ask questions about things that are unclear.
Cancer.org
If you have vaginal cancer or are close to someone who does, knowing what to expect can help you cope. Here you can find out all about vaginal cancer, including risk factors, symptoms, how it is found, and how it is treated.
CancerCenter.com
A vaginal cancer diagnosis is life-changing. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), we’re here to help you and your loved ones make a more informed treatment decision. We encourage you to explore this area to learn more about the disease, what lies ahead and your treatment options.
CancerCompass
You are not alone in your struggle with cancer. Connect with other vaginal cancer patients today to discover new resources and helpful information about a variety of relevant issues, from treatment methods to the latest advances in cancer research.
CDC
If your doctor says that you have vaginal or vulvar cancer, ask to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist—a doctor who has been trained to treat cancers like these. This doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan.
Macmillan Cancer Support
The treatment for vaginal cancer depends on a number of factors, including your general health and the stage, grade and type of cancer. Radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy may be used to treat vaginal cancer. You may have one, or a combination, of these treatments.
MedicineNet
Vaginal cancer is not common. When found in early stages, it can often be cured. There are two main types of vaginal cancer: Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that forms in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells lining the vagina. Squamous cell vaginal cancer spreads slowly and usually stays near the vagina, but may spread to the lungs and liver. This is the most common type of vaginal cancer. It is found most often in women aged 60 or older. Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in glandular cells. Glandular cells in the lining of the vagina make and release fluids such as mucus. Adenocarcinoma is more likely than squamous cell cancer to spread to the lungs and lymph nodes. It is found most often in women aged 30 or younger.
NHS
Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer. There are around 260 new cases of vaginal cancer diagnosed in the UK each year. The most common symptom of vaginal cancer is painless bleeding from the vagina.
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