Gynecologic Cancer Prevention
What is Gynecologic Cancer?
Gynecologic cancer is cancer that starts in a woman’s reproductive organs. There are five main types: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. A sixth type, fallopian tube cancer, is rare.
These cancers begin in different areas of the pelvis, which is the lower part of the body between the hip bones. Each type of gynecologic cancer is different. They have different symptoms, risk factors, and ways to prevent them.
Risk Factors of Gynecologic Cancer
- Most cases are caused by a long-lasting HPV (human papillomavirus) infection
- Most common in women ages 30–50, but younger women can also be affected
- Smoking can weaken the immune system and increase risk
- Risk increases with age, especially around menopause
- Family history of ovarian, breast, or related cancers
- Not having children or having trouble getting pregnant
- Family history of colon or endometrial cancer
- Taking estrogen without progesterone
- Being overweight
- Starting menopause after age 52
- Diabetes or high blood sugar
- High blood pressure
- Not having children
- Family history of certain cancers
- Long-term HPV infection
- Smoking
- More common in women over 60
- A skin condition called lichen sclerosus
- Long-term HPV infection
- Smoking
How Can I Lower My Risk?
HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine helps protect against the types of HPV that cause many cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
- Recommended for children ages 11–12 (can start at age 9)
- Recommended for everyone up to age 26 if not already vaccinated
- Adults ages 27–45 may benefit in some cases—talk to your doctor
Pap Test
The Pap test is used to screen for cervical cancer. It can find cancer early, when treatment works best. It can also find changes in cells before they turn into cancer.
HPV Test
This test looks for HPV infection and is often used for women age 30 and older.
Recognize the Warning Signs
There are no simple screening tests for most gynecologic cancers, except cervical cancer. That’s why it’s important to know the warning signs and pay attention to changes in your body.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you think you may be at higher risk, talk to your doctor. Knowing your family health history is important. Your doctor may suggest genetic counseling or testing and can help you understand your options for lowering your risk.
How Are Gynecologic Cancers Treated?
Treatment depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread. Many patients receive more than one type of treatment.
- Surgery: Removes cancer from the body
- Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill or shrink cancer cells (given by pill or through a vein)
- Radiation: Uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells