Continuing the League’s history of identifying projects that have sustainability and lasting impact, JLHR has adopted female reproductive cancers awareness and prevention as its Signature Project.  The goal of this three- to-five-year initiative is to support education related to the five most common female reproductive cancers: cervical, endometrial, ovarian, uterine sarcoma, and vaginal.  Its other goals are to promote awareness of risk factors and symptoms and to encourage early detection through participation in screenings, tests, and annual exams.  The true impact of our new project will be felt when generations of women can lead more healthful lives as a result of our efforts.

Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect a woman's reproductive organs. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cases of cervical cancer.

Thanks largely to Pap test screening, the death rate from cervical cancer has decreased greatly over the last 50 years. And today, most cases of cervical cancer can be prevented with a vaccine for young women.

Endometrial Cancer
Although the diagnosis of endometrial cancer is difficult to receive, the good news is that this type of cancer is often found at its earliest, most treatable stage.

Ovarian Cancer
Symptoms of ovarian cancer are nonspecific and mimic those of many other more common conditions, including digestive and bladder disorders. A woman with ovarian cancer may be diagnosed with another condition before finally learning she has cancer. Common misdiagnoses include irritable bowel syndrome, stress and depression.  With ovarian cancer symptoms are constant and gradually worsen.

Uterine Sarcoma
A rare type of uterine cancer that forms in muscle or other tissues of the uterus. It usually occurs after menopause.

Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is rare.  Women with early-stage vaginal cancer have the best chance for a cure.  Vaginal cancer that spreads beyond the vagina is much more difficult to treat.

Signs and Symptoms:  When to Call Your Doctor

Many of the symptoms of reproductive cancer are similar to symptoms of other conditions.  However, if you notice any of these things, you should speak with your doctor:

* Abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating;
* Constipation;
* Painful urination;
* Urinary urgency;
* Pelvic discomfort or pain, including pain during intercourse;
* A lump or mass in your vagina;
* Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause;
* Abnormal discharge from your vagina, with or without blood; and
* Unintended weight loss.

Cancer Resources for those battling and recently diagnosed with a female reproductive cancer.

The Junior League of Hampton Roads, Inc. has partnered with Riverside Cancer Care Services in our efforts to raise  awareness of female reproductive cancers and provide related support services for women.  Our partnership allows us to participate in public outreach and patient support programs in the seven communities we serve: Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Poquoson, York County, Gloucester, and Smithfield.