Gynaecological cancers are cancers that occur in the female reproductive system. These cancers occur 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
Potential risk factors for gynaecological cancers
Risk factors associated with developing gynaecological cancers may include:1
- Older age
- Family history
- Certain gene mutations
- A previous cancer, such as breast cancer or bowel cancer
- Reproductive history
- Exposure to hormones produced by the body or taken as medication
- Exposure to diethylstilboestrol (DES) in the womb
- Viral infection including human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Lifestyle factors, such as being overweight or smoking
If you have one or more of these risk factors, it does not necessarily mean that you will develop gynaecological cancer. For more information about risk factors, you should speak with your GP or specialist.1
Symptoms of gynaecological cancer
Symptoms associated with gynaecological cancer can vary depending on the location of tumour, as well as its size and how fast it is growing. Symptoms of gynaecological cancer may include:1
- Abnormal or ongoing vaginal bleeding
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Abdominal swelling, pain, pressure, or discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Change 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, please speak with your GP or specialist.1
Learn more about different types of gynaecological cancer.
Cervical cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the cervix, which is the neck of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. Most cervical cancers are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).2
Cervical cancer is the only gynaecological cancer that can be detected in a precancerous stage through cervical screening tests. The introduction of a vaccine against certain strains of the HPV and improvements to the National Cervical Screening Program have helped to reduce rates of cervical cancer in Australia.2
Cervical cancer journey
Find out more about the treatment journey for cervical cancer.
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in an ovary, fallopian tube, or the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) grow in an uncontrolled way. Ovaries are a pair of small organs in the lower abdomen, one located on each side of the uterus near the ends of the fallopian tubes.3
The most common type of ovarian cancer is the epithelial type, which starts in cells on the outside of the ovary, and accounts for around 90% of ovarian cancers diagnosed.* The other two main types of ovarian cancer begin in the stromal cells (hormone-producing cells in the ovaries) or the germ cells (egg-producing cells in the ovaries) and are both considered rare types of gynaecological cancer.3
*Cancer Council Australia. Understanding Ovarian Cancer. April 2022.
Cancer of the uterus occurs when abnormal cells in any part of the uterus grow in an uncontrolled way. Around 95% of uterine cancers are diagnosed as endometrial cancers, which begin in the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium).† Uterine sarcomas are less common and develop in the muscle (myometrium) or connective tissue (stroma) of the uterus.4
†Cancer Council Australia. Understanding Cancer of the Uterus. October 2023.
Uterine cancer journey
Find out more about the treatment journey for uterine cancer.
Vaginal cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the vagina grow in an uncontrolled way. The vagina is a muscular tube that extends from the cervix (neck of the uterus) to the vulva (external genitals). Vaginal cancer is one of the rarest types of gynaecological cancers. Vaginal cancer is different to vulvar cancer.5
Vaginal cancer journey
Find out more about the treatment journey for vaginal cancer.
Vulvar cancer, also known as vulval cancer or cancer of the vulva, occurs when abnormal cells in any part of the external female genitals grow in an uncontrolled way. It usually develops in the labia minora (inner lips of the vulva), labia majora (outer lips of the vulva), or perineum (skin between the vagina and the anus). Vulvar cancer is rare, and while it most often affects women who have gone through menopause, it can occur in younger women.6
Vulvar cancer journey
Find out more about the treatment journey for vulvar cancer.
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- Cancer Australia. Gynaecological cancers. November 2023. Available: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/gynaecological-cancers/overview [accessed February 2024].
- Cancer Council. Understanding cervical cancer. December 2023. Available: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/cervical-cancer [accessed February 2024].
- Cancer Council. Understanding ovarian cancer. April 2022. Available: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/ovarian-cancer [accessed February 2024].
- Cancer Council. Understanding cancer of the uterus. October 2023. Available: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/uterine-cancer [accessed February 2024].
- Cancer Council. Understanding vaginal cancer. September 2023. Available: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/vaginal-cancer [accessed February 2024].
- Cancer Australia. Types of vulvar cancer. September 2023. Available: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/vulvar-cancer [accessed February 2024].
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