Gynecologic Cancer: The Basics
Published six times a year by National Women's Health Resource Center
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Gynecologic Cancer: The Basics
Many women don't know much about gynecologic cancers. But, experts say, awareness is key for identifying your risks for developing these diseases and for recognizing their symptoms early on, when treatment has the best chance of success. Learn more here about risk factors and symptoms, as well as screening tests, treatment and prevention. Be sure to discuss any questions you may have about gynecologic cancer with your health care professional.
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CANCER
TYPE
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RISK
FACTORS
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ANNUAL
INCIDENCE
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SYMPTOMS
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TESTS
FOR SCREENING/ DIAGNOSIS
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TREATMENT
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PREVENTION
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| Ovarian | Age; family history; infertility; not having children; BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations or a family history of hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC syndrome) | 25,580 diagnoses and 16,090 deaths a year2 | Bloating; fatigue; back pain; gastrointestinal distress; changes in bowel and bladder patterns. Symptoms are constant and get worse as time goes on. | No validated screening tests available. Vaginal ultrasound, CA-125, pelvic exam and biopsy all contribute to diagnosis. | Surgery to remove uterus and ovaries and cancer; chemotherapy; rarely radiation. Disease is being treated more often today as a chronic disease. | Use of oral contraceptives; early childbearing; breastfeeding; removal of uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, in some cases |
| Cervical | Failure to receive regular cervical cancer screenings; early age at first intercourse; smoking; HPV and HIV infection14 | 10,520 cases diagnosed annually, 3,900 deaths2 | Bleeding after intercourse; excessive vaginal discharge; abnormal bleeding between periods.14 | Pap test; regular gynecologic exams; screening for HPV virus (when appropriate) | Simple or radical hysterectomy (early stage); chemotherapy and radiation (late stage) | Regular Pap tests; monogamy and practicing safe sex by using condoms |
| Uterine/ endometrial (cancer cells form in the lining of the uterus) | Obesity; hypertension; diabetes; inappropriate estrogen use; tamoxifen use; late menopause;14 never being pregnant. High risk may be inherited, for example, having HNPCC syndrome. | 40,320 diagnoses a year and about 7,090 deaths2 | Any bleeding after menopause, or abnormal vaginal bleeding before menopause.14 | Annual pelvic exams;15 uterine biopsy, when appropriate | Hysterectomy; chemotherapy and/or radiation, as necessary. | Maintaining a healthy weight; exercising regularly; following a healthy diet; keeping blood sugar and blood pressure under control. Possibly, a total hysterectomy, for women at high risk. |
| Uterine/ sarcomas (cancer cells form in the muscle of the uterus or its connective tissue instead of in the lining) | Occurs more frequently in women with history of pelvic radiation therapy and in African-American women. Some concern that use of tamoxifen may increase risk.15 | 800 to 1,000 cancers a year (representing 2 to 4 percent of all uterine cancers)2 | Abnormal vaginal bleeding, particularly during the postmenopausal period; pelvic pain or pressure; fibroids that grow rapidly.16 | None | Hysterectomy with removal of fallopian tubes and, possibly, lymph nodes, followed by chemotherapy. | None |
| Vaginal | Advanced age (60 and older); HPV infection and cervical cancer; chronic inflammation | About 2,000 women diagnosed a year2 | May not produce any symptoms; abnormal vaginal discharge, bleeding or low pelvic pressure can be symptoms | Routine pelvic exams, Pap test | Surgery and radiation | Stopping smoking; treating early precancerous HPVrelated lesions; scheduled pelvic exams |
| Vulvar | Diabetes; advanced age (70 and older); chronic vulvar irritations; HPV infection; smoking; immunosuppression | About 4,000 women diagnosed a year2 | Itching, burning, bleeding, pain or a lump in the vulvar area | Regular Pap tests, pelvic exams and examination of the vulva for changes. | Surgical removal of vulvar lesions and groin lymph nodes; radiation | Self-examination (with a mirror) |
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