It may not grab the same headlines as breast cancer or lung cancer, but doctors want you to listen closely if you are at risk of developing gynecologic cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, almost 116,000 women were diagnosed with gynecological cancers in 2024, which impact the female reproductive system. Specifically, 14,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2024 with most coming from the 35-44 age group.  Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University calls them “silent diseases” because many of the early symptoms are easily missed and some like cervical cancer are extremely preventable due to the HPV vaccine. Dr. Kali Olson says that like many cancers early detection is key, especially since the five-year survival rate is 90 to 98 percent for early-stage cervical cancer patients and getting vaccinated for HPV can protect you.

Olson points out that cervical cancer screenings nationwide have been sliding since 2010, likely due to lack of access at rural hospitals. You can hear more about HPV and cervical cancer awareness from Dr. Kalli Olson from Door County Medical Center by clicking on this link.