Gynecologic cancer warning signs: HCA Florida Healthcare shares five symptoms women shouldn't ignor

Fort Walton Beach, Fla. – September 23 - Bloating that won't go away. Unusual bleeding. Pelvic pain or pressure. These symptoms can have many causes, but they can also be warning signs of gynecologic cancer, making it important for women talk with a doctor if they notice concerning symptoms.

During Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month this September, HCA Florida Healthcare is raising awareness of cancers affecting the female reproductive system, including cervical, ovarian, uterine/endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancers.

"Gynecologic cancer symptoms can sometimes be subtle or mistaken for other common conditions," said Dr. Michael Hennessey, OB/GYN at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. "A symptom does not necessarily mean cancer, but if something is new, unusual or persistent, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider. Knowing what is normal for your body can help you recognize when something has changed."

5 warning signs to know:

Symptoms vary by cancer type, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies several changes that women should discuss with their healthcare provider:

• Unusual bleeding, particularly after menopause.
• Pelvic pain or pressure that is new or persistent.
• Persistent bloating or abdominal or back pain.
• Changes in appetite, including feeling full too quickly or difficulty eating.
• Changes in genital skin and sensitivity, including persistent itching, burning, pain, tenderness or skin color.

Changes in bathroom habits, including a frequent or urgent need to urinate or constipation, can also occur with some gynecologic cancers.

The CDC advises women to see a healthcare provider promptly for unusual vaginal bleeding and to seek evaluation when other potential symptoms persist for two weeks or longer and are not normal.

Know your risk - and your family history

Risk factors vary by type of gynecologic cancer. Age can increase risk, and family history may also provide important clues. Women should tell their healthcare provider about close relatives who have had ovarian, uterine, breast, colorectal or other cancers and ask whether additional evaluation or genetic counseling may be appropriate.

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is another important risk factor. HPV is associated with cervical cancer and some vaginal and vulvar cancers, and HPV vaccination can help prevent infections that most commonly cause these cancers.

Cervical cancer is unique among gynecologic cancers because screening can identify cancer early or find precancerous changes. There are no routine screening tests for ovarian, uterine, vaginal or vulvar cancers in women without symptoms, making awareness of potential warning signs especially important.

"Preventive care is important to discuss, in addition to screening for cancers," said Dr. Michael Hennessey. "Women should also share their family history, changes they have noticed and any concerns about their individual risk with their care provider."

Coordinated cancer care close to home

For women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, immunotherapy or a combination of approaches based on the type and stage of cancer and the individual patient.

HCA Florida Healthcare provides patients access to cancer specialists and coordinated services throughout diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. As part of HCA Healthcare, HCA Florida Healthcare is connected to Sarah Cannon Cancer Network, which cares for more than 130,000 patients annually across the United States and United Kingdom.

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About HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is a 331-bed full-service hospital. It is the only Level II Trauma Center in the tri-county area and has nearly 200 physicians whose expertise covers a wide range of specialties. HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is also the only acute care hospital in the tri-county area that offers open heart surgery, an Accredited Advanced Primary Stroke Center, an Accredited Chest Pain Center, and a Cancer Care Center that is accredited by the Commission on Cancer and an Associate of the UAB Birmingham Health System Cancer Community Network. The hospital also offers the area's only in-house midwifery program. In addition to the main hospital emergency department, emergency healthcare is available 24/7 at HCA Florida Destin Emergency and 24/7 at HCA Florida Navarre Emergency. HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is also home to the only inpatient acute care rehab facility in the tri-county area – HCA Florida Northwest Rehabilitation Center, located in Destin.

About HCA Florida Healthcare

HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is one of Florida’s leading healthcare networks. Its 11,200 physicians and 80,000 colleagues work together to deliver evidence-based, collaborative care through nearly 12.8 million patient encounters annually. With more than 670 connected care sites—including hospitals, physician practices, urgent care centers and freestanding emergency rooms—across the state, HCA Florida Healthcare helps expand access to the specialized care patients need. HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals are annually recognized for excellence in patient experience and clinical outcomes, including three facilities ranked in the top 2% nationally for overall clinical excellence. A leader in healthcare education, HCA Florida Healthcare supports the next generation of healthcare workers through its 153 graduate medical education programs across 29 hospitals. In 2025, the network provided more than $1.1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.5 million to community organizations across the state. Visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.