About gynaecological cancer
Gynaecological cancers affect a woman’s reproductive system. They can happen to women of all ages but are most common if you’re over 50
In most cases, the type of gynaecological cancer is named after the part of the body where the cancer first develops.
Types of gynaecological cancers
Ovarian cancer happens when cancerous cells in the ovary grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way. They form a tumour that can spread to other areas of the body.
At an early stage, ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose.
There are two ovaries – one on each side of the body. They produce female sex hormones – oestrogen and progesterone. These control the menstrual cycle. They also produce an egg each month during your fertile years.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and a drug called tamoxifen (a breast cancer therapy) have been linked with an increase in the chance of getting ovarian cancer.
Endometrial cancer usually begins in the cells that line the womb (uterus).
No one is sure exactly what causes endometrial cancer but you’re more at risk if you have high levels of oestrogen in your body. This is more likely if you’re overweight, have diabetes or have had hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Older women are also at greater risk, as well as those with a family history of the problem.
Cervical cancer begins in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) and joins to the vagina. Abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow abnormally in an uncontrolled way.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of all cancers. It is easily treated if caught early. It can be triggered by a type of human papilloma virus (HPV) that is sexually acquired.
Vaginal cancer begins in cells that line the surface of the vagina. It’s a rarer type of cancer.
The vagina is the area between the cervix and the vulva. While other types of cancer can spread to the vagina, it’s unusual for cancer to begin in this area.
It has a good chance of being cured if it’s diagnosed early but if it spreads beyond the vaginal area, it’s more difficult to treat.
Cancer of the vulva is relatively rare. It can start in any part of the external female sex organs.
This includes the opening of the vagina, the inner and outer lips (also called labia minora and labia majora), the clitoris and the mons pubis (soft, fatty mound of tissue, above the labia).
Other types of gynaecological cancers can include fallopian tube cancer and placenta cancer (a pregnancy-related cancer).
Ovarian cancer happens when cancerous cells in the ovary grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way. They form a tumour that can spread to other areas of the body.
At an early stage, ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose.
There are two ovaries – one on each side of the body. They produce female sex hormones – oestrogen and progesterone. These control the menstrual cycle. They also produce an egg each month during your fertile years.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and a drug called tamoxifen (a breast cancer therapy) have been linked with an increase in the chance of getting ovarian cancer.
Endometrial cancer usually begins in the cells that line the womb (uterus).
No one is sure exactly what causes endometrial cancer but you’re more at risk if you have high levels of oestrogen in your body. This is more likely if you’re overweight, have diabetes or have had hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Older women are also at greater risk, as well as those with a family history of the problem.
Cervical cancer begins in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) and joins to the vagina. Abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow abnormally in an uncontrolled way.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of all cancers. It is easily treated if caught early. It can be triggered by a type of human papilloma virus (HPV) that is sexually acquired.
Vaginal cancer begins in cells that line the surface of the vagina. It’s a rarer type of cancer.
The vagina is the area between the cervix and the vulva. While other types of cancer can spread to the vagina, it’s unusual for cancer to begin in this area.
It has a good chance of being cured if it’s diagnosed early but if it spreads beyond the vaginal area, it’s more difficult to treat.
Cancer of the vulva is relatively rare. It can start in any part of the external female sex organs.
This includes the opening of the vagina, the inner and outer lips (also called labia minora and labia majora), the clitoris and the mons pubis (soft, fatty mound of tissue, above the labia).
Other types of gynaecological cancers can include fallopian tube cancer and placenta cancer (a pregnancy-related cancer).
Treatments we cover
Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, kills cancer cells. It’s used in the early stages of cancer treatment or after it has started to spread. It can also be used to relieve pain and discomfort from cancer that has spread.
Chemotherapy is medication that treats your cancer. The drugs kill cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and spreading further.
Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, kills cancer cells. It’s used in the early stages of cancer treatment or after it has started to spread. It can also be used to relieve pain and discomfort from cancer that has spread.
Chemotherapy is medication that treats your cancer. The drugs kill cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and spreading further.
