So, firstly what are the gynaecological cancers? 

According to the Lady Garden Foundation, nearly 80% of us do not even know that there are 5 different gynaecological cancers. This is shocking that we know so little about our own health and bodies, let alone know what we can do to detect, prevent and treat such. 

Improving education is so incredibly important, because these cancers can be preventable! For example, 99.8% of cervical cancer cases are preventable! 

There are 5 gynaecological cancers which are: 

1. Cervical cancer
2. Ovarian cancer 
3. Vaginal cancer 
4. Vulva cancer
5. Womb cancer 

For more general information, including common signs and symptoms of these cancers, we would really recommend checking out The Lady Garden Foundation’s website, as they have a lot of great resources! 

What is the vaginal microbiome? 

The vaginal microbiome comprises of all the organisms in your vaginal environment — including all bacteria species, yeast species, other organisms, pathogens, etc. The relevant amounts (percentages) of each of these different organisms and species determines your own unique vaginal microbiome composition. 

Different vaginal compositions have different compositions — for example, a microbiome NOT dominated by a Lactobacilli species (a species of bacteria), is known to be unstable or ‘in dysbiosis’. Vaginal microbiomes in dysbiosis are associated with a range of negative implications and concerns includimang: increased inflammation, higher susceptibility to infection, uncomfortable vaginal symptoms, and greater chance of disease. 

What is the role of the vaginal microbiome in gynaecological cancers? 

It is first important to note that proof of causation with regards to cancer development is often very difficult, due to it often being the result of multiple, complex, interacting factors. Therefore, we are cautious to not make any sweeping claims, just a description of what research currently tells us. 

Cancer in general:

Microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses are thought to play a role in 15% of malignant neoplasms [abnormal growth of tissue], directly influencing carcinogenesis [formation of a cancer]. 

Further, dysbiosis is thought to perhaps promote an environment in which tumours can more easily grow, as well as determine the effectiveness of treatment. There are a range of way sin which dysbiosis can do this including: having an inflammatory effect, promote epithelial barrier dysfunction, dysfunctional DNA damage responses. 

Cervical cancer: 

We have a specific blog already on cervical cancer. This cancer is almost always as a result of HPV infection, which you have probably seen or heard something about either through your smear test, and/or being offered the HPV vaccine at school. 85% – 90% of high-risk HPV infections are cleared by the vaginal environment, therefore it is important that this system is functioning optimally. Vaginal microbiomes associated with BV and/or are not dominated by Lactobacilli species have been associated with lower rates of clearance of HPV. For more information on the role of the vaginal microbiome in cervical cancer specifically, then head over to our dedicated blog post here: 

Ovarian cancer: 

Potentially pathogenic microorganisms including: Mycoplasma and Chlamydia were found in 60% – 76% of ovarian tumours.  

How ScreenMe helps: 

ScreenMe recognises the huge importance of understanding and optimising your intimate microbiome for your health and wellbeing. 

1. Answers 

Gold-standard NGS technology allows for 100% of the bacteria present to be screened — including undesirable species such as Mycoplasma, BV-related bacteria, and Ureaplasma. 

2. Solutions 

ScreenMe is so passionate about providing support and guidance. This is why all of our tests come with a free 1:1 consultation with an intimate health practitioner. They will talk you through your results, helping you to understand what they mean. Your practitioner will also create a bespoke plan of action with you — including nutritional, lifestyle, supplement, and product recommendations. This allows you to not just understand your unique vaginal microbiome, but know what you can do to optimise your intimate health and protect against infection, disease, and uncomfortable symptoms. 

Vaginal health shouldn’t be something we don’t understand, are scared to talk about, or ignore abnormal symptoms. 

ScreenMe works with you, for you, and your vagina. 

Jessica Hobbis