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In This Section

Cancers We Treat

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Gynecologic Cancers: Prevention, Symptoms & Treatment

Dr. Peter Morris discusses different types of gynecologic cancers and how to prevent, detect and treat them in this informative podcast.

Gynecologic Cancers

Comprehensive women’s cancer care at Bryan Health

Gynecologic cancer includes cancers that start in a woman’s reproductive system. There are approximately 100,000 new cases in the United States annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

About female reproductive cancers

The five main types are endometrial (uterine), ovarian, cervical, vaginal and vulvar.

Endometrial cancer occurs in the lining of the uterus and is the most common
Ovarian cancers are the next most common cause the most deaths
Cervical cancer begins in the cervix and is the only gynecological cancer with a screening test
Vaginal cancer is rare and begins in the birth canal
Vulvar cancer, also rare, begins in the outer part of the female genitalia

Risk Factors

Risk factors vary per type of cancer. However, some common risk factors may increase your chances of getting a gynecological cancer, including:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Obesity
Smoking
High-fat diet
Family history
Previous history of breast or gynecological cancer
Diabetes
HIV infection or weakened immune system
Age (over 60)

Prevention and Early Detection

Gynecological cancers found early are highly treatable and some are preventable. Here are some ways you can be proactive:

Get a regular Pap test and annual physical exam
Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine (recommended for everyone age 11-26)
Know your family health history
Listen to your body. Report anything unusual to your doctor

Find a doctor

Read more about prevention and warning signs in a blog post by Dr. Peter Morris

Diagnosis

Regular exams will help your doctor identify if more diagnostic tests are needed. If they suspect cancer, you may undergo:

Ultrasound
Colposcopy – using a lighted, magnifying lens
Procedures to remove or sample abnormal tissue
Genetic blood tests
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Treatment and Therapies

Your doctor will provide information about your treatment options, so you can decide what methods are best for you and your individual situation.

Your treatment will depend on a number of things — your overall level of health, extent of disease and how your body handles the different therapies. Treatment options may include:

Resources

View helpful websites for gynecologic cancers here.

Oncology Nurse Navigators

Bryan offers specially trained nurse navigators to serve as your guide, advocate, educator, resource and liaison through all aspects of your cancer journey and especially as you make decisions about what comes next.