Tens of thousands are diagnosed with gynecologic cancers every year, but through care, research and prevention practices, doctors are working with patients to reduce cases and save lives through early detection. Gynecologic cancer can begin in different areas of patients’ bodies, including the cervix, ovaries, vagina, vulva and endometrium (uterine lining). Endometrial cancer is the most common of these conditions, with approximately 53,000 new diagnoses each year in the U.S. As diagnoses continue, though, so do treatment advances through research at leading cancer centers like The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. “The progress we’re making is amazing,” Floor Backes, MD, says. “It's what has me so excited about the future.” Read on as Backes shares need-to-know info on gynecologic cancer, including symptoms, clinical trials and genetic testing. Gynecologic cancer symptoms “If you have bleeding after menopause, that’s not normal, so please go see your doctor to make sure that you don't have endometrial cancer. “If you have bleeding with intercourse or abnormal bleeding and haven't had a pap in a while, please go get your pap smear and make sure that you're well screened and have had your HPV vaccine, which is now approved until age 45. “If you have persistent bloating, changes in your bowel or bladder habits, new abdominal pain or feel full early and can't eat your normal amount, these could be signs of ovarian cancer. Everybody has those symptoms once in a while, but if they're persistent and you can't eat a normal full meal, please check with your doctor.” Click here to learn more about gynecologic cancer, including risks, symptoms and treatment options at The Ohio State University. Advances in genetic testing for ovarian cancer “Genetic testing is important because there could be something in the blood or in your germline that caused your ovarian cancer, and that's important for you, as well as your family members, who could avoid diagnoses of their own, or benefit from early detection. “This is also really important because there are now drugs that work particularly well in patients who have BRCA or other mutations that cause ovarian cancer. We've now seen data even seven years out that patients continue to do well.” Click here to learn more about genetic testing for cancer at the OSUCCC – James. Gynecologic cancer clinical trials “There have been a lot of new discoveries made through clinical trials for gynecologic cancers in the last couple of years. We now have new drugs available for cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers. “We've made a lot of progress, so make sure that if you're diagnosed with gynecologic cancer — or any type of cancer — you ask your doctor if there are any possible clinical trials that you could participate in. You may be able to get some of these new drugs that could become the next standard of care.” Click here to learn more about cancer clinical trials at the OSUCCC – James. Comprehensive gynecologic cancer care “It’s important that gynecologic cancer patients have access to the latest care and research. At the OSUCCC – James, there are multidisciplinary teams that include surgeons, radiation oncologists, chemotherapy specialists and researchers, all to make sure that each patient receives the best treatment and support available.”