“The five types of gynecologic cancers are
ovarian, endometrial/uterine, cervical,
vulvar and vaginal cancer”.1

Umbrella

What may the Gynecologic Cancers Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Gynecologic/Gynaecological Cancer/s
  • Women’s Cancer/s

Cancer

What is cancer?

DotS the definition of cancer may vary. The (United States) National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) definition is:

Cancer
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems”.2

Gynecologic Cancer

What is gynecologic cancer?

DotS the definition of gynecologic cancer may vary. The NCI’s definition is:

“Gynecologic Cancer
Cancer of the female reproductive tract, including the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and vagina”.3

In Gynecologic Cancers: Gynecologic Cancer Basics – What It Is the (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) definition is:

“Gynecologic cancer is a disease in which cells in a woman’s reproductive organs grow out of control. The five main types of gynecologic cancer are: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. (A sixth type of gynecologic cancer is the very rare fallopian tube cancer)”.4

In Women’s Cancers (Gynaecological Cancer) the (United Kingdom) Cancer Research UK’s definition is:

“Cancers that start in the female reproductive system are called gynaecological cancers. These cancer types can affect women, some transgender men and non-binary people assigned female at birth”.5

Types

What are five types of gynecologic cancers?

In Basics the (United States) Foundation for Women’s Cancers note:

“The five types of gynecologic cancers are ovarian, endometrial/uterine, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer”.6

Different Differences

Is each gynecologic cancer different?

Yes. In Gynecologic Cancers: Gynecologic Cancer Basics – Types the CDC explain:

“Each gynecologic cancer is unique, with different signs and symptoms, different risk factors (things that may increase your chance of getting a disease), and different prevention strategies”.7

Symptoms

What are common symptoms of gynecologic cancers?

In Gynecologic Cancers: Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers – Symptoms: Common Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers the CDC note:

  • “Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge is common for all gynecologic cancers except vulvar cancer
  • Feeling full too quickly or difficulty eating, bloating, and abdominal or back pain are common for ovarian cancer
  • Pelvic pain or pressure is common for ovarian and uterine cancers
  • More frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation are common for ovarian and vaginal cancers
  • Itching, burning, pain, or tenderness of the vulva, and changes in vulva color or skin, such as a rash, sores, or warts, are found only in vulvar cancer”.8

Pap Test

Does the Pap Test screen for all the gynecologic cancers?

No. In Gynecologic Cancers: Reducing Risk for Gynecologic Cancers – Screening Tests the CDC elaborate on:

“Of all the gynecologic cancers, only cervical cancer has screening tests that can find this cancer early, when treatment works best”.9

Risk

How may women reduce their risk for gynecologic cancers?

In Gynecologic Cancers: Reducing Risk for Gynecologic Cancers – Recognize the Symptoms the CDC note:

“Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancers except cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize symptoms and learn if there are things you can do to reduce your risk”.10

Health Care Provider

What if I have funny tummy symptoms?

If you have funny tummy symptoms it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. In Gynecologic Cancers: Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers – When To Talk To Your Doctor the CDC explain:

“If you have vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, talk to a doctor right away. Any vaginal bleeding after menopause needs to be reported to your doctor. If you have not yet gone through menopause but notice that your periods are heavier, last longer than normal for you, or if you’re having unusual bleeding between periods, talk to your doctor.

You should also see a doctor if you have any other warning signs that last for 2 weeks or longer and are not normal for you. Symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see a doctor”.11

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Gynecologic Cancers?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Gynecologic Cancers?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Gynecologic Cancer: Basics. National Foundation for Women’s Cancer https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/gynecological-cancers/gynecologic-cancer-basics/ Accessed: 05 June 2024
  2. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/C Accessed: 05 June 2024
  3. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Gynecologic Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?cdrid=45982 Accessed: 05 June 2024
  4. Gynecologic Cancers: Gynecologic Cancers Basics – What It Is. 06 December 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/about/ Accessed: 05 June 2024
  5. Women’s Cancers (Gynaecological Cancer). Last Reviewed: 10 February 2022. Cancer Research UK https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/women/ Accessed: 05 June 2024
  6. Gynecologic Cancer: Basics. National Foundation for Women’s Cancer https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/gynecological-cancers/gynecologic-cancer-basics/ Accessed: 05 June 2024
  7. Gynecologic Cancers: Gynecologic Cancers Basics – Types. 06 December 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/about/ Accessed: 05 June 2024
  8. Gynecologic Cancers: Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers – Symptoms: Common Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers. 06 December 20232. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/symptoms/index.html Accessed: 05 June 2024
  9. Gynecologic Cancers: Reducing Risk for Gynecologic Cancers – Screening Tests. 06 December 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/prevention/index.html Accessed: 05 June 2024
  10. Gynecologic Cancers: Reducing Risk for Gynecologic Cancers – Recognize the Symptoms. 06 December 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/prevention/index.html Accessed: 05 June 2024
  11. Gynecologic Cancers: Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers – When To Talk To Your Doctor. 06 December 20232. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/symptoms/index.html Accessed: 05 June 2024
Topic Last Updated: 01 July 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 05 June 2024

Print Friendly, PDF & Email