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Gynecologic Cancers

Gynecologic cancers arise from the female reproductive organs. The three most common are ovarian, uterine (endometrial) and cervical cancer, and each has its own symptoms, diagnostic route and treatment.

  • 3 most common types
  • HPV the main cause of cervical cancer — preventable by vaccine
  • BRCA the genetic test that changes treatment in ovarian cancer

What are gynecologic cancers?

They can arise from the uterus, the cervix, the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the vagina or the vulva. Of these, ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancers are by far the most frequently seen.

The key difference between them is whether they produce early symptoms. Uterine cancer is usually noticed early through abnormal bleeding, while ovarian cancer often reaches a more advanced stage before diagnosis because its symptoms are vague. Cervical cancer can be caught through regular screening before cancer even develops.

The three main types

Each arises from a different organ and follows a different course.

  1. Ovarian

    Ovarian cancer

    Its symptoms can be mistaken for digestive complaints, so it is often noticed late. Treatment rests on surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy; patients with a BRCA mutation or HRD positivity receive maintenance treatment with PARP inhibitors.

  2. Endometrial

    Uterine cancer

    Its most common symptom is bleeding after the menopause, which means most patients are diagnosed at an early stage. Treatment usually begins with surgery. MMR/MSI status guides the decision on immunotherapy in advanced disease.

  3. Cervical

    Cervical cancer

    The great majority is caused by HPV infection. Regular HPV and smear screening can catch pre-cancerous changes, and HPV vaccination is the most effective way of preventing the disease.

Treatment approaches

Treatment is generally planned by combining surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy according to the type of disease. In recent years targeted therapies and immunotherapy have joined that list.

The molecular features of the tumour are weighed alongside the stage. This is why results such as BRCA, HRD and MMR/MSI in the pathology report have become increasingly important.

Genetic links

Some gynecologic cancers are linked to an inherited genetic change. Knowing about it changes both the treatment and the follow-up of family members.

  1. BRCA1 / BRCA2

    Link with ovarian cancer

    Women carrying a BRCA mutation have an increased risk of ovarian and breast cancer. The mutation also determines eligibility for PARP inhibitor treatment, which is why testing at diagnosis is recommended.

  2. Lynch

    Lynch syndrome

    Caused by inherited changes in DNA repair genes such as MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. It markedly raises the risk of uterine and bowel cancer and should be investigated in women diagnosed with uterine cancer at a young age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a screening test for ovarian cancer?

There is no screening programme with proven benefit for the general population. For women carrying a BRCA mutation or with a strong family history, regular follow-up and risk-reducing options are discussed. Genetic counselling is essential for this group.

Does the HPV vaccine prevent cancer?

The HPV vaccine protects against the high-risk HPV types that cause cervical cancer and is the most effective means of prevention. It does not remove the need for regular screening — the two are recommended together.

Is bleeding after the menopause normal?

No. Any bleeding after the menopause, however light, should be assessed. The cause is often benign, but this is the earliest and most important sign of uterine cancer, so it should not be delayed.

Can I have children after treatment?

It depends on the type and stage of the disease and on the treatment planned. Fertility-preserving approaches are possible for some early-stage patients. This must be discussed before treatment starts, as some options cannot be applied afterwards.

There is uterine and bowel cancer in my family — what should I do?

Uterine and bowel cancer occurring together in a family, especially at a young age, raises the possibility of Lynch syndrome. Genetic counselling in that situation can change the follow-up plan for you and for your relatives.