What to know about Gynecologic cancer

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    Every 6 minutes, a women is diagnosed with gynecologic cancer.

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    A woman’s risk is highest over the age of 60.

Every year, approximately

100,000 women

are diagnosed with gynecologic cancer in the United States.

Risk Factors

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    HPV

    HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer and many cases of vaginal and vulvar cancer.

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    Family History

    Approximately 15% of ovarian and breast cancers are linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which are genetically inherited.

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    Obesity

    Obesity causes increased estrogen production and chronic inflammation, leading to a greater risk of gynecological cancer, particularly endometrial cancer.

Prevention and Screening Tips

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    Genetic Testing

    If a female relative has had gynecologic cancer, talk to your doctor about genetic testing. Genetic testing should also be considered if a first- or second- degree relative had breast cancer before the age of 45.

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    Pap Test

    Pap tests can screen for cervical cancer and HPV, making them an extremely valuable method of cancer detection. Follow your doctor's recommended screening guidelines.

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    Regular Doctor Visits

    After menopause, continue to see your physician for recommended gynecologic checkups.

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    Diet and Exercise

    Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce obesity. Set realistic short-term and long-term weight loss goals.

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    HPV Vaccine

    The HPV vaccine dramatically reduces the rate of HPV infection and cervical, vaginal and pre-cancers. It is recommended that all girls and boys are vaccinated.

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    Abnormal Bleeding

    Vaginal bleeding after menopause is never normal. See your doctor promptly if this occurs.

Signs and Symptoms

Many signs of gynecologic cancer are often symptoms of other conditions. Don’t be alarmed if you have these signs, but speak with your doctor to diagnose what you may be experiencing. 

Ovarian Cancer

  • Feeling swollen or bloated in the abdomen
  • Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
  • Gas, indigestion and nausea
  • Frequent urination
  • Pain in abdominal or pelvic area

UTERINE/ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

  • Postmenopausal bleeding
  • Irregular bleeding between menstrual cycles
  • Heavier and/or longer menstrual bleeding than normal

Vulvar Cancer

  • Constant itching and/or pain on external genitals
  • Change in skin color of external genitals
  • A painful ulcer or mass on external genitals
  • Irregular bleeding between menstrual cycles
  • Postmenopausal bleeding

Vaginal Cancer

  • Postmenopausal bleeding
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Bleeding after intercourse
  • Pelvic pain and constipation

Cervical Cancer

  • Any vaginal bleeding that is not related to your menstrual period
  • Postmenopausal bleeding
  • Pain during intercourse and/ or bleeding after intercourse
  • Significant watery or foul-smelling discharge

Medically reviewed by Rebecca Stone, M.D., in August 2025.