Gynecologic cancers, which affect the female reproductive system, include cancers of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva. You may not know much about many of these cancers affecting women because, often, they are some of the more challenging ones to detect early.

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, a time to educate women about common symptoms and to remind them to schedule their annual Pap smears. Depending on individual risk factors, additional testing may also be worth considering.

“Genetic testing can help you understand your risk of developing gynecological cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, based on family and an individual’s medical history,” explained Dr. Wanda Wilburn, Gynecologist. “Those who have a family member with breast or ovarian cancer could be at a higher risk of developing those same cancers if they were born with mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.”

More than 108,000 women in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with gynecologic cancer in 2024. The risk of developing these cancers increases with age, and each type comes with its own set of risk factors and warning signs.

Types Gynecologic Cancers

Cervical Cancer
According to a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, 20% of women in the U.S. report having had at least one abnormal pap smear. Dr. Wilburn emphasized, “A positive test result indicates the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix. These irregular cells can be caused by a variety of factors, including an human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, yeast, or bacterial infections, benign growths, hormonal changes, irritation or it could be a sign of cervical cancer, the fourth most common type of cancer in women.”

An HPV infection typically causes cervical cancer. Vaccination against HPV and annual pap smears can significantly improve outcomes for patients.

Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can begin in various tissues within the reproductive system, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum. Most ovarian tumors in girls and young women are not cancerous. Ovarian cancer may cause nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal swelling or pain, or no symptoms at all. As a result, ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage. Ovarian cancer treatment usually involves surgery and chemotherapy.

Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer forms in the tissues of the uterus, the organ where a fetus develops. The two main types are endometrial cancer, which affects the uterine lining, and uterine sarcoma, a rare cancer affecting the muscles or supportive tissues of the uterus. Risk factors include obesity, diabetes, genetic conditions, and previous radiation therapy near the pelvis. Common symptoms include vaginal bleeding between periods before menopause, vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause, even a slight amount, and lower abdominal pain or cramping in the pelvis.

Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is categorized into two main types: squamous cell carcinoma, which is more common and spreads slowly, and adenocarcinoma, which is rarer but more likely to spread to other parts of the body.

Vulvar Cancer
Vulvar cancer forms in the external genitalia, often in the outer vaginal lips. A precancerous condition known as vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) can lead to vulvar cancer if left untreated. Risk factors include HPV infection and a history of genital warts.

Prevention and Early Detection

Preventive measures such as vaccinations, regular screenings, and awareness of family medical history play a crucial role in reducing the risk of gynecologic cancers. “We encourage all women to engage in regular screenings and to consult their healthcare providers about the best preventive measures for their specific health needs,” explained Dr. Wilburn.