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Gynaecological cancers are cancers that occur in the female reproductive system. These cancers develop when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way and are named based on the organ or part of the body where they first develop.1 The ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus (womb), cervix (neck of the uterus), vagina (birth canal) and vulva (external genitals) are all parts of the female reproductive system.2-6
Symptoms associated with gynaecological cancer can vary depending on the location and size of the tumour, and how quickly it is growing. Symptoms may include:1
- Abnormal or ongoing vaginal bleeding
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Abdominal swelling, pain, pressure or discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in bladder or bowel habits
- Pain during sex
- Itching, burning or soreness in the pelvic region
- Lumps, sores or wart-like growths in the pelvic region
There may be different reasons why you are experiencing any of these symptoms. If you have any questions or concerns, speak with your GP or specialist.1
Risk factors associated with developing gynaecological cancers may include:1
- Older age
- Family history
- Certain gene mutations
- A previous cancer, such as breast or bowel cancer
- Reproductive history
- Exposure to hormones produced by the body or taken as medication
- Exposure to diethylstilboestrol (DES) in the womb
- Viral infections, including human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Lifestyle factors, such as being overweight or smoking
If you have one or more of these risk factors, this does not necessarily mean that you will develop gynaecological cancer. For more information about risk factors, speak with your GP or specialist.1
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Types of gynaecological cancer
- Australian Government, Cancer Australia. (2023, November). Gynaecological cancers. Retrieved February 2024, from https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/gynaecological-cancers/overview
- Cancer Council Australia. (2023, December). Understanding cervical cancer. Retrieved February 2024, from https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/cervical-cancer
- Cancer Council Australia. (2022, April). Understanding ovarian cancer. Retrieved February 2024, from https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/ovarian-cancer
- Cancer Council Australia. (2023, October). Understanding cancer of the uterus. Retrieved February 2024, from https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/uterine-cancer
- Cancer Council Australia. (2023, September). Understanding vaginal cancer. Retrieved February 2024, from https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/vaginal-cancer
- Cancer Council Australia. (2023, September). Types of vulvar cancer. Retrieved February 2024, from https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/vulvar-cancer
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