Basic Information About Gynecologic Cancers

Knowledge Is Power: Gynecologic Cancer Symptoms

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in a woman’s reproductive organs, it is called gynecologic cancer. The five main types of gynecologic cancer are: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. (A sixth type of gynecologic cancer is the very rare fallopian tube cancer.)

Of all the gynecologic cancers, only cervical cancer has screening tests that can find this cancer early, when treatment can be most effective. Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancers except cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs, and learn if there are things you can do to reduce your risk.

There are several ways to treat gynecologic cancer. The treatment depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread.

Illustration of a woman’s reproductive system showing the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva.

Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in a woman’s reproductive organs. There are five main types of gynecologic cancer.

Image © 2021 Terese Winslow LLC. U.S. Govt. has certain rights. Used with permission. Contact artist at www.teresewinslow.com for licensing.

Photo of a woman with abdominal pain

Signs and symptoms are not the same for everyone, and each gynecologic cancer has its own signs and symptoms.

Photo of a woman drinking coffee

It is important to recognize the warning signs of gynecologic cancer and learn if there are things you can do to lower your risk.

Photo of two women getting chemotherapy

Gynecologic cancers are treated in several ways. It depends on the kind of cancer and how far it has spread.