Including womb, ovarian and cervical cancer – affect thousands of women in the UK every year. Fortunately, earlier diagnosis and advances in treatment – including more advanced surgical techniques – mean outcomes for women with gynaecological cancers are improving all the time. We spoke with Miss Nahid Gul, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist at The Christie Private Care, part of HCA Healthcare UK, about the signs and symptoms to be aware of and how surgery for these cancers has advanced in recent years. Miss Gul has a specialist interest in minimally invasive, robotically-assisted gynaecological cancer surgery.
What are the most common gynaecological cancers and what are some of the key symptoms to be aware of?
The three most common are womb cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. For womb cancer, one of the key symptoms is any unexpected vaginal bleeding – particularly any bleeding after the menopause – should always be investigated promptly. Bleeding between periods or unusually heavy periods can also be a symptom in pre-menopausal women. Ovarian cancer can be harder to spot, but persistent bloating that does not come and go, feeling full quickly, loss of appetite, pelvic or abdominal pain and changes in bowel or bladder habits that are new and do not resolve should all be assessed without delay. Cervical cancer is often caught through the screening programme, which is why attending your cervical screening appointment is so important. Cervical screening – also known as a smear test – now primarily checks for high-risk HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. Speak to your GP if something doesn’t feel right, or see a gynaecological specialist if you have any of the symptoms above.
How has surgery for gynaecological cancers changed in recent years?
Enormously. When I began performing hysterectomies and other gynaecological cancer operations, open abdominal surgery was standard – involving a larger incision, a longer hospital stay, and often a more demanding recovery. Today, many of these procedures can be performed using minimally invasive keyhole techniques, associated with less pain, a shorter stay and a much faster return to everyday life. It’s important to remember that each person will be recommended the surgery that’s best for them, based on their individual diagnosis.
What is robotic surgery and how does it benefit women with gynaecological cancer?
Robotic surgery is an evolution of keyhole surgery that gives the surgeon an exceptional level of precision and control. I operate through very small incisions with instruments that can move in ways the human hand alone cannot replicate, and with a magnified three-dimensional view of where I am operating. For gynaecological cancers – particularly womb cancer, which can be more anatomically complex in some people – robotic surgery allows us to operate with greater precision, enabling thorough removal of the cancer while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue and preserving nerves and organ function.
Search ‘HCA UK The Christie Private Care’ or call 0161 768 8345 to find out more about our services.
