September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, and there’s one message we think every person should hear: know thyself.
Get familiar with your body, its patterns and what feels typical for you, so you’re more likely to notice when something changes.
Our bodies are constantly communicating with us. A change doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong, but noticing when something feels different for you can be an important part of taking care of your health.
There are five main types of gynecologic cancer: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar. Their symptoms aren’t always obvious. In fact, some can look a lot like things we might otherwise brush off as hormonal changes, digestive issues, menopause, stress or simply getting older.
Get to Know Your Baseline
Knowing yourself means paying attention to your own baseline. It doesn’t mean obsessing over every little change. It means becoming familiar enough with your body that you notice when something is new, unusual or persistent.
Pay attention to your menstrual cycle, vaginal discharge, digestion, bladder habits, pelvic comfort and what sex normally feels like for you. And don’t forget your vulva. Knowing how it normally looks and feels can make changes easier to recognize.
Changes worth discussing with a healthcare provider can include:
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Bleeding that isn’t typical for you, including bleeding between periods, after sex or at any time after menopause
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Vaginal discharge that has noticeably changed
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Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain or pressure
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Pain with sex or urination
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Bloating that sticks around
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Feeling full unusually quickly when eating
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A new or persistent change in bowel or bladder habits, including needing to urinate more frequently or urgently
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New or unexplained back pain that persists or worsens
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Lumps, sores or other changes around the vagina or vulva
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Vulvar itching, burning, tenderness, skin changes or changes in color
Different gynecologic cancers can present differently, and having one of these symptoms does not mean you have cancer. But unusual vaginal bleeding should be discussed with a healthcare provider promptly. The CDC also recommends talking with your doctor about other warning signs that last two weeks or longer and aren’t normal for you.
Don’t Wait for a Screening to Listen to Your Body
One reason body awareness matters so much is that cervical cancer is currently the only gynecologic cancer with routine screening tests that can find cancer early. Pap and HPV testing can help prevent cervical cancer or detect it early, but there isn’t an equivalent routine screening test for every gynecologic cancer.
Family history matters, too. If breast, ovarian, uterine, colorectal or other cancers run in your family, talk with your healthcare provider about your individual risk and whether genetic counseling or testing might be appropriate.
For a deeper dive into the different types of gynecologic cancer, symptoms, hereditary and other risk factors, screening and prevention, we recommend The Breasties: Guide to Gynecologic Cancers. The guide is medically reviewed and offers an approachable, detailed resource for learning more.
Intimacy Is Part of Your Health, Too
Gynecologic health isn’t only about screenings and symptoms. It’s also about comfort, pleasure, connection and feeling at home in your body.
Hormonal changes, menopause, pelvic tension and other life and health experiences can change the way intimacy feels. If sex has become uncomfortable or your body needs more moisture and time, that deserves attention, not embarrassment.
At Upstate Mary, we created products that can help support comfort and connection when your body needs a little extra care.
Slide Intimacy Oil with CBD is a two-ingredient intimacy oil made with certified-organic MCT coconut oil and full-spectrum CBD. It provides moisture and glide to help reduce friction and make intimate touch more comfortable.
Hunter Intimacy Melts with CBD are hormone-free vaginal suppositories made with organic cocoa butter and full-spectrum hemp extract. They melt at body temperature, providing internal moisture and supporting relaxation and comfort before or after intimacy.
These products are not cancer treatments and aren’t a substitute for medical care. If you’re experiencing new pelvic pain, bleeding, painful sex or another unexplained change, talk with your healthcare provider rather than simply treating the discomfort at home. If you are undergoing or have undergone cancer treatment, talk with your oncology or gynecologic care team about which intimate-care products are appropriate for you.
Your Body Is Worth Paying Attention To
This Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to check in with yourself.
Know thyself. Notice when something changes. Keep up with recommended cervical cancer screening. Learn your family history. Ask questions when something doesn’t feel right.
And remember that sexual comfort and pleasure belong in conversations about health, too.
In sickness, in health and in pleasure, the more familiar we become with our bodies, the better equipped we are to advocate for them.
About the Author
Melissa is the co-founder of Upstate Mary, a Hudson Valley-based sexual wellness brand rooted in clean ingredients, sustainability, and plant-based intimacy support. A breast cancer survivor, speaker, and advocate for body acceptance and pleasure at every stage of life, Melissa writes and speaks openly about perimenopause, pelvic health, intimacy, and reclaiming confidence in changing bodies. Upstate Mary and her work has been featured in national publications (i.e. Oprah Daily and Business Insider) and numerous wellness platforms. She is committed to breaking taboos around sexual health, aging, and healing through honest, science-backed education and storytelling.
Melissa Eppard | Co-Founder of Upstate Mary | Hudson Valley, NY
ABOUT UPSTATE MARY
At Upstate Mary, we celebrate the power of plants and the beauty of self-care. Our Farm to Bedroom™ collection is designed to support pleasure and connection at every stage of life, whether you’re navigating menopause, postpartum, or simply exploring your sensuality. Formulated with organic botanicals and full-spectrum CBD, our intimacy oils and suppositories nurture your body without disrupting its natural balance.
Rediscover your pleasure with Upstate Mary.