Reproductive cancers
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Breast cancers, cervical cancers, prostate cancers, and testicular cancers are the most common reproductive cancers.
Reproductive cancers are cancers that occur in the reproductive organs. These include cancers in the:
- Breast
- Cervix
- Uterus
- Endometrium
- Vulva
- Ovaries
- Prostate
- Testicles
- Penis
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What is breast cancer?
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Breast cancer is the most common reproductive cancer in Aotearoa. Breast cancer is less common in those aged under 50.
The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases with age.
Because breast cancer develops in breast tissue, it is possible for anyone to get breast cancer.
BreastScreen Aotearoa offers free breast screening — known as a mammography — for those aged 45 to 69 years old, in Aotearoa. Mammography is designed to find very small cancers — before a lump can even be felt.
Early treatment of breast cancer has the best chance of success!
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What is ovarian cancer?
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Ovarian cancer is more common over the age of 50. It is usually diagnosed in the later stages of disease, as the early symptoms can be difficult to detect. In the later stages of ovarian cancer, treatment options are limited.
Cervical screening doesn’t detect ovarian cancer. Early detection of ovarian cancer is only possible if you know the signs and symptoms.
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What is cervical cancer?
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Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The good news is: cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
Getting the HPV vaccine and having regular HPV tests or cervical screening are the best protection against cervical cancer.
It’s a really good idea for anyone with a cervix, aged 25-69 years old, to get HPV screening or a cervical screening test every five years. There is the option to do a self taken swab for HPV, or have a clinician use a brush to take a small sample from the cervix.
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What is penile cancer?
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Penile cancer is cancer in the tissue of the penis — it is a very rare type of cancer.
If you are over 50, and your penis is uncircumcised, you have the highest risk of developing penile cancer. If you have a history of genital warts and HPV, you have a higher risk of developing penile cancer.
If there is a change in the way your penis looks, works, or smells, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with us.
If you have penile cancer, the people you have sex with should be screened for other forms of cancer caused by HPV — such as cancers of the cervix, vulva, and anus.
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What is prostate cancer?
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Prostate cancer is common in Aotearoa. There are around 4000 new diagnoses of prostate cancer every year.
Prostate cancer is uncommon in people younger than 55. Most people who develop prostate cancer are over the age of 65. If you are very old, prostate cancer often grows slower and sometimes causes no symptoms.
If you are over 45 and you have a prostate — ask your doctor if you should get a prostate cancer screening.
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What is testicular cancer?
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Testicular cancer most commonly develops between the ages of 15-35 years old — but it can develop at any age.
Testicular cancer is almost always curable — especially if it’s diagnosed and treated at an early stage.
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