Gynecologic cancers: What you need to know

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, a great opportunity to raise awareness about a group of cancers that people may not realize extends beyond just one type. In 2023, there were an estimated 114,810 cases of the five different gynecologic cancers combined, diagnosed in women in the U.S.

Gynecologic cancer is any type of cancer that affects the female reproductive system: the ovaries, uterus and endometrial lining, cervix, vagina and vulva. Early detection equals better outcomes, which is why routine screening, when available, is so important.

Annual routine check-ups that include cervical cancer screenings can be lifesaving, especially if there is a higher risk of cancer due to family history or other factors. While screenings are not available for all gynecologic cancers, proactive health care can make a significant difference.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is cancer that begins in the cells lining the cervix (an organ in the reproductive system of those assigned female at birth that connects the uterus to the vagina). It is highly preventable and is most often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be prevented with a vaccine.

Of the five gynecologic cancers, only cervical cancer has a recommended and effective routine screening.

You may be at increased risk for cervical cancer if you’ve had multiple sexual partners, smoke, have used birth control pills for a long time or have a family history of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is highly preventable, and routine screening is critical in preventing cervical cancer or finding it early, when treatment is most likely to be successful.

Anyone with a cervix should be screened per recommendations to look for precancerous cervical cells (which can be removed before they become cancer) or to detect cancer early. Routine screening is necessary even if you have been vaccinated against HPV. If you are of average risk, follow these screening guidelines:

• Ages 21–29: Have a Pap test every 3 years.

• Ages 30–65: Have any of these options:

• A Pap test alone every 3 years.

• A high-risk HPV test alone every 5 years.

• A high-risk HPV test with a Pap test (co-testing) every 5 years.

• After age 65, you should talk to your health care provider about whether to continue screening.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer where abnormal cells develop in the ovaries. There are some types of ovarian cancer that start at the ends of one of the fallopian tubes or the peritoneum and spread to the ovary. While ovarian cancer occurs less often than other types of cancer, when it does occur, it is often found in more advanced stages. This is one of the reasons why it’s a leading cause of death among those assigned female at birth. Unlike cervical cancer, there is currently no effective screening test for ovarian cancer. Common signs and symptoms include bloating, pelvic pain and changes in bowel habits.

Ten to 15% of ovarian cancers are genetic, and those who have inherited or acquired genetic variants (or mutations) like BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutations could be at increased risk.¹ If you have a family history of ovarian, fallopian tube, primary peritoneal, breast or colorectal cancer, talk to your health care provider to learn about genetic testing.

Regular pelvic exams and being aware of any family history of the disease can support early detection efforts, but since there are no routine screening options, it’s even more important to pay attention to any symptoms that could be signs of ovarian cancer.

Everyone can take steps to lower their risk of ovarian cancer and promote overall health, like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding smoking.

Uterine/endometrial cancer

Uterine cancer—often referred to as endometrial cancer if it starts in the endometrium, which lines the uterus—is the most common type of gynecologic cancer in the U.S. Although there is no routine screening for those of average risk, regular pelvic exams by your OB-GYN can help find some uterine cancers.

Symptoms, such as unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge (especially postmenopausal bleeding), pelvic pain and weight loss, could be early signs of uterine cancer.  If symptoms persist, bring them to the attention of a health care provider.

Those with Lynch syndrome have an increased risk for endometrial cancer. If you have several family members with colorectal or endometrial cancer, talk to your doctor about possible genetic testing.

Vaginal cancer

Accounting for only 1%-2% of all female gynecologic cancers, vaginal cancer is among the rarest of all cancers.1 Most cases are diagnosed in older women, and symptoms, when present, might include unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, a mass or lump in the vagina and pain during sex. Vaginal cancer is most often caused by HPV, which can be prevented with the HPV vaccine.

Routine OB-GYN exams and Pap tests sometimes can find pre-cancerous changes but there are no routine vaginal cancer screening guidelines for those at average risk. As with the other gynecologic cancers, it’s key to be aware of symptoms and talk to your health care provider about any issues.

Vulvar cancer

Similar to vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer is rare and there are currently no routine screening recommendations. Regular pelvic exams at the OB-GYN can sometimes help detect early signs of cancer or pre-cancers.

Early symptoms can include any of the following around the vulva: Itching or burning, areas of discolored skin, a bump or sore (that can be reddened) that feels rough, or abnormal bleeding or pain. Vulvar cancer is most often caused by HPV and has also been associated with smoking as well as conditions of the vulva associated with chronic irritation and inflammation.

You can lower your risk for all gynecologic cancers by using condoms (the right way every time!), getting vaccinated against HPV, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking. For cervical cancer, make sure to get your routine cervical cancer screening per recommendations.

Know your body, be aware of symptoms and see a health care provider not just for regular check-ups, but any time something concerns you. Early Detection = Better Outcomes.

To learn more about the screenings and vaccinations you need at every age, visit preventcancer.org/betteroutcomes. 

READ MORE | What experts want you to know about gynecologic cancers

¹National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Division of Cancer Prevention and Control