Gynecologic Cancers

Gynecologic cancers affect the reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva. In the U.S., about 100,000 women are diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer in 2025. Understanding the risks, recognizing early symptoms, and getting regular screenings can make a critical difference in treatment and recovery.

Medically Reviewed By: Sarah Adams, MD, OCRA Scientific Advisor

Types of Gynecologic Cancers

Gynecologic cancers are not all the same. Each type begins in a different part of the reproductive system and has distinct signs, risk factors, and treatment approaches. Some, like cervical cancer, may be detected early through regular screening, while others, such as ovarian cancer, are more difficult to diagnose in early stages. Understanding the differences can help guide decisions about prevention, early detection, and care. Explore each cancer type to learn more about symptoms, treatment options, and available support.

Ovarian Cancer

Often starts in the fallopian tubes and can be hard to detect early. Learn the symptoms, types, and how it’s diagnosed and treated.

Cervical Cancer

Highly preventable through screening and HPV vaccination. Explore symptoms, staging, and how early care can make a difference.

Endometrial Cancer

The most common gynecologic cancer. Learn what symptoms to watch for, who’s at risk, and how it’s treated.

Uterine Sarcoma

A rare cancer of the uterine muscle and support tissues. Find out how it’s different from other uterine cancers and what to expect.

Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is uncommon, but early detection matters. Learn the signs, risk factors, and next steps for care.

Vulvar Cancer

A cancer affecting the outer genital area. Learn what symptoms to look for, risk factors, and how early treatment can help.

Illustration of female anatomy, with title Female Reproductive System. Image depicts fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, endometrium, cervic, myometrium, and vagina. Credit: © 2021 Terese Winslow LLC, U.S. Govt. has certain rights

Understanding the Anatomy of Gynecologic Cancers

Ovarian Cancer From Beyond the Ovary

Tune in to this video presentation by Dr. David Huntsman, Professor at the University of British Columbia and the Canada Research Chair in Molecular and Genomic Pathology, for a thought-provoking exploration of what we can learn about ovarian cancer by expanding our knowledge of other gynecologic cancers.

Frequently Asked Questions

: Gynecologic cancers start in a woman’s reproductive organs. The five main types include ovarian, cervical, endometrial (uterine), vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Each type is different in where it starts, how it behaves, and how it’s treated.
: Gynecologic cancers are diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, medical history review, imaging tests, lab work, and tissue sampling. Diagnosis often begins with a pelvic exam and a discussion of symptoms. Depending on the cancer type, doctors may use tools such as transvaginal ultrasound, CT or MRI scans to evaluate the presence and extent of disease. Usually a biopsy or surgery is required to confirm a cancer diagnosis.

Some gynecologic cancers, like cervical cancer, can be detected early through routine screening with Pap and HPV tests. Others, like ovarian or endometrial cancer, are typically diagnosed after symptoms appear.
: Some gynecologic cancers are highly preventable. Cervical cancer can often be prevented through HPV vaccination and routine screening. Many vaginal and vulvar cancers can also be prevented through HPV vaccination. Research shows that removing the fallopian tubes may prevent the most common type of ovarian cancer.

Knowing your risk factors and prevention tools, and staying aware of symptoms, can help lead to earlier detection and potentially improve outcomes.
: Yes, when found early, many gynecologic cancers are highly treatable. Treatment options vary based on the cancer type and stage and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.
: If something feels off, talk to your doctor or a gynecologic specialist to get answers and take the next step in your care.