Gynecologic Cancers

“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:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Gynecologic Cancers?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. Ask Early Menopause.org
  2. Basics
  3. British Gynaecological Cancer Society (BGCS) Ovarian, Tubal and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Guidelines: Recommendations for Practice Update 2024 [September 2024]
  4. British Gynaecological Cancer Society and British Menopause Society Guidelines Management of Menopausal Symptoms Following Treatment of Gynaecological Cancer [August 2024]
  5. Cancer and ‘Crash’ Menopause
  6. Cervical Cancer
  7. Cervical Cancer
  8. Cervical Cancer
  9. Cervical Cancer–Patient Version
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Changes In Sexual Health After Cancer
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – What Is the Current State of Genetic Testing For Women
  12. Debunking Myths and Clarifying Facts About Gyn Cancer Screening With “The Period Doctor”
  13. Do You Go Through Menopause After A Hysterectomy?
  14. Endometrial Cancer
  15. Endometrial Cancer
  16. Endometrial Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version
  17. Endometrial Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors for Endometrial Cancer?
  18. Eveappeal.org.uk [Eve Appeal, United Kingdom]
  19. Fallopian Tube Cancer
  20. Foundationforwomenscancer.org [Foundation for Women’s Cancer, United States]
    Gynecologic Cancers
  21. Foundationforwomenscancer.org [Foundation for Women’s Cancer, United States]: Educational Materials – Resource Guides [Multiply Languages]
  22. Foundationforwomenscancer.org [Foundation for Women’s Cancer, United States]: Fact Sheets – Rare Tumors
  23. Frequently Asked Questions
  24. Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
  25. Gynae Cancers: A Brief Explainer
    Gynecologic Cancers
  26. Gynecologic Anatomy
  27. Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month 2024
  28. Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month [1st – 30th September]
  29. Gynaecological Cancers
  30. Gynaecological Cancers – Ovaries and Uterus
  31. Gynaecological Cancers – Vaginal and Vulva
  32. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness
  33. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
    Gynecologic Cancers
  34. Gynecologic Cancers
  35. Gynecologic Cancers
  36. Gynecologic Cancers
  37. Gynecologic Cancers: 4 Affirmations To Help You Advocate for Yourself
  38. Gynecologic Cancers: Gynecological Cancers Basics
  39. Gynecologic Cancers: Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers
  40. Gynecological Cancer At the Menopause
  41. How Cancer Can Affect Sex and Intimacy
  42. How Cancer Surgery Can Affect Sex for Women
  43. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  44. Hysterectomy
  45. Hysterectomy
  46. Hysterectomy.org [Hysterectomy Awareness]
  47. IGCAN Advocacy Network Directory
    Gynecologic Cancers
  48. Information for Trans, Non-Binary and Inter Sex People
  49. Inherited Cancer Risks
  50. International Gynecologic Cancer Advocacy Network
  51. International Gynecologic Cancer Society
    Gynecologic Cancers
  52. Let’s Talk Gynaecological (Gynae) Cancers
  53. Listen To These Symptoms: 9 Gynecologic Symptoms Women Should Not Ignore
  54. Mayo Clinic Minute: Endometrial Cancer Associated With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  55. Mayo Clinic Minute: Tips From A Gynecological Surgeon on Recovery From Surgery [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  56. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  57. Menopauseandcancer.org [Menopause and Cancer]
  58. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  59. Newly Diagnosed [Gynecologic Cancer]
  60. Ovarian Cancer
  61. Ovarian Cancer
  62. Ovarian Cancer
  63. Ovarian Cancer
  64. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [March, United Kingdom]
    Gynecologic Cancers Gynecologic Cancers
  65. Ovarian Cancer/Primary Peritoneal
  66. Ovarian Cancer: Family History
  67. Ovarian Cancer: What Is Ovarian Cancer? The Ovaries and Reproductive System [+ Video: Cancers of the Female Reproductive System]
  68. Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer–Patient Version
  69. Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Bleeding
  70. Resources To Share: Videos – Under the Paper Gown Comedy Web Series
  71. Risk Factors
  72. Sexuality & Cancer
  73. Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
  74. Types
  75. Uterine Cancer
  76. Uterine Cancer
    Gynecologic Cancers
  77. Uterine Cancer: Signs and Symptoms
    Gynecologic Cancers
  78. Uterine Cancer–Patient Version [+ Image]
  79. Uterine/Endometrial Cancer/GDT
  80. Vaginal Cancer
  81. Vaginal Cancer
  82. Vaginal Cancer
  83. Vaginal Cancer
  84. Vaginal Cancer–Patient Version
  85. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  86. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers: Symptoms of Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  87. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
  88. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Abnormal Bleeding
  89. Vulvar Cancer
  90. Vulvar Cancer
  91. Vulvar Cancers
  92. Vulvar Cancer–Patient Version [+ Image]
  93. Webinars: Previous – Sexual Dysfunctions, Update on Gynae Cancers and Management
  94. What Is A Hysterectomy?
  95. Womb Cancer
  96. Womb Cancer
  97. Womb Cancer
  98. World GO Day [World Gynecologic Oncology Day, 20 September 2024]
  99. World Ovarian Cancer Day [May 8, 2025]
  100. You Need To Know [+ Video: Bleeding After the Menopause – An Important Message You Need To Know]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Basics. National Foundation for Women’s Cancer https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/gynecological-cancers/gynecologic-cancer-basics/ Accessed: 05 February 2025
  2. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/C Accessed: 05 February 2025
  3. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Gynecologic Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?cdrid=45982 Accessed: 05 February 2025
  4. Gynecologic Cancers: Gynecologic Cancers Basics – What It Is. 12 September 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/about/ Accessed: 05 February 2025
  5. Women’s Cancers (Gynaecological Cancer). Last Reviewed: 19 November 2024. Cancer Research UK https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/women/ Accessed: 05 February 2025
  6. Basics. National Foundation for Women’s Cancer https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/gynecological-cancers/gynecologic-cancer-basics/ Accessed: 05 February 2025
  7. Gynecologic Cancers: Gynecologic Cancers Basics – Types. 12 September 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/about/ Accessed: 05 February 2025
  8. Gynecologic Cancers: Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers – Symptoms: Common Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers. 05 September 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/symptoms/index.html Accessed: 05 February 2025
  9. Gynecologic Cancers: Reducing Risk for Gynecologic Cancers – Screening Tests. 12 September 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/prevention/index.html Accessed: 05 February 2025
  10. Gynecologic Cancers: Reducing Risk for Gynecologic Cancers – Recognize the Symptoms. 12 September 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/prevention/index.html Accessed: 05 February 2025
  11. Gynecologic Cancers: Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers – When To Talk To Your Doctor. 05 September 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/symptoms/index.html Accessed: 05 February 2025
Topic Last Updated: 04 May 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 05 February 2025

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