“The five types of gynecologic cancers are
ovarian, endometrial/uterine,
cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer”.1

Umbrella
What may the Gynecologic Cancers Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Gynecologic/Gynaecological Cancer/s
  • Women’s Cancer/s

Cancer

What is cancer?

DotS the definition of cancer may vary. The (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) definition is:

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the body grow out of control. Cancer is usually named for the part of the body where it starts, even if it spreads to other body parts later”.2

Gynecologic Cancer

What is gynecologic cancer?

DotS the definition of gynecologic cancer may vary. The (United States) National Cancer Institute’s definition is:

“Gynecologic Cancer
Cancer of the female reproductive tract, including the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and vagina”.3

The CDC’s definition is:

“Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in a woman’s reproductive organs. Cancer is always named for the part of the body where it starts. Gynecologic cancers begin in different places within a woman’s pelvis, which is the area below the stomach and in between the hip bones”.4

In Women’s Cancers (Gynaecological Cancer) the (United Kingdom) Cancer Research UK’s definition is:

“Cancers that start in the female reproductive system are called gynaecological cancers. These cancer types can affect women, some transgender men and non-binary people assigned female at birth”.5

Types

What are the five main gynecologic cancers?

In Basics the (United States) Foundation for Women’s Cancers note:

“The five types of gynecologic cancers are ovarian, endometrial/uterine, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer”.6

Same or Not

Are the signs and symptoms the same for everyone and each gynecologic cancer?

No. In Gynecologic Cancers: Basic Information – What Are the Symptoms? the CDC explain:

“Signs and symptoms are not the same for everyone, and each gynecologic cancer has its own signs and symptoms”.7

Common Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers

What are common symptoms of gynecologic cancer?

In Gynecologic Cancers: Basic Information – What Are the Symptoms? Common Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers the CDC note:

  • “Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge is common on all gynecologic cancers except vulvar cancer
  • Feeling full too quickly or difficulty eating, bloating, and abdominal or back pain are common for ovarian cancer
  • Pelvic pain or pressure is common for ovarian and uterine cancers
  • More frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation are common for ovarian and vaginal cancers
  • Itching, burning, pain, or tenderness of the vulva, and changes in vulva color or skin, such as a rash, sores, or warts, are found only in vulvar cancer”.8

Pap Test

Does the Pap Test screen for all the gynecologic cancers?

No. In Gynecologic Cancers: Basic Information About Gynecological Cancers the CDC elaborate on:

“Of all the gynecologic cancers, only cervical cancer has screening tests that can find this cancer early, when treatment can be most effective”.9

Risk

How may women reduce their risk for gynecologic cancer?

In Gynecologic Cancers: Basic Information – What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk? Recognize the Warning Signs the CDC note:

“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”.10

Health Care Provider

What if I have funny tummy symptoms?

If you have funny tummy symptoms it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. In Gynecologic Cancers: What Are the Symptoms? the CDC explain:

Gynecologic Cancers“If you have vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, talk to a doctor right away. Any vaginal bleeding after menopause needs to be reported to your doctor. If you have not yet gone through menopause but notice that your periods are heavier, last longer than normal for you, or if you’re having unusual bleeding between periods, talk to your doctor.

You should also see a doctor if you have any other warning signs that last for two weeks or longer and are not normal for you. Symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see a doctor”.11

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Gynecologic Cancer?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Gynecologic Cancers?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Gynecologic Cancer: Basics. National Foundation for Women’s Cancer https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/gynecological-cancers/gynecologic-cancer-basics/ Accessed: 23 March 2024
  2. Ovarian Cancer: Basic Information About Ovarian Cancer. Last Reviewed: 14 June 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/basic_info/index.htm Accessed: 23 March 2024
  3. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Gynecologic Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?cdrid=45982 Accessed: 23 March 2024
  4. Gynecologic Cancers: Basic Information – What Is Gynecologic Cancer? Last Reviewed: 13 June 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/what-is-gynecologic-cancer.htm Accessed: 23 March 2024
  5. Women’s Cancers (Gynaecological Cancer). Last Reviewed: 10 February 2022. Cancer Research UK https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/women/ Accessed: 23 March 2024
  6. Gynecologic Cancer: Basics. National Foundation for Women’s Cancer https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/gynecological-cancers/gynecologic-cancer-basics/ Accessed: 23 March 2024
  7. Gynecologic Cancers: Basic Information – What Are the Symptoms? Last Reviewed: 13 June 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/symptoms.htm Accessed: 23 March 2024
  8. Gynecologic Cancers: Basic Information – What Are the Symptoms? Common Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers. Last Reviewed: 13 June 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/symptoms.htm Accessed: 23 March 2024
  9. Gynecologic Cancers: Basic Information About Gynecologic Cancers. Last Reviewed: 13 June 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/index.htm Accessed: 23 March 2024
  10. Gynecologic Cancers: Basic Information – What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk? Recognize the Warning Signs. Last Reviewed: 13 June 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/prevention.htm Accessed: 23 March 2024
  11. Gynecologic Cancers: Basic Information – What Are the Symptoms? Last Reviewed: 13 June 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/symptoms.htm Accessed: 23 March 2024
Topic Last Updated: 23 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 23 March 2024

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