About Gynecologic Cancers

What are the signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancer?

The signs and symptoms shown here are often related to gynecologic cancer. However, not all women with gynecologic cancer have the same symptoms. And sometimes symptoms are difficult to recognize because they may be caused by or related to other conditions. That is why it is important to pay attention to your body and know what is normal for you.

Each gynecologic cancer is unique, with different signs and symptoms, different risk factors (things that may increase your chance of getting a disease), different prevention strategies and different treatments. All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and risk increases with age.  However, when gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective.

Are You at Increased Risk?

Factors that may increase a person’s risk for gynecologic cancers:

Uterine Cancer
If women have a history of having trouble getting pregnant, or commonly have fewer than 5 periods a year they are at an increased risk of uterine cancer. Taking estrogen replacement or tamoxifen therapy (a medication used to treat breast cancer) may also put women at an increased risk. Women aged 50 or older, and who are medically obese are more likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer and should speak with their physician.

Ovarian Cancer
Like breast cancer, ovarian cancer is common in women who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations. Ovarian cancer is also common in women with a history or uterine, breast or colorectal cancer. As with many gynecologic cancers, women who are middle aged or older with a family history of ovarian cancer are more likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Patients who are of Ashkenazi Jewish background, have a history of infertility, or have never given birth, should be aware that they are also at an increased risk. 

Cervical Cancer
Almost all cervical cancers are linked with the human papillomavirus (HPV) which is a very common sexually transmitted virus. Usually HPV will clear up on its own, however it can cause abnormal cells that can, in a small percentage of patients, turn into cancer. Pap smears and HPV testing can detect HPV and abnormal cells before they become cancerous.

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include smoking, HIV (or other conditions that cause a weakened immune system), using birth control for a long time, having given birth to three or more children, and being exposed to DES (Diethylstilbestrol) a medication that was prescribed to pregnant women before 1971.  

Gynecologic Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms	Cervical Cancer	Ovarian Cancer	Uterine Cancer	Vaginal Cancer	Vulvar Cancer
Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge	X	X	X	X
Pelvic pain or pressure		X	X		X
Abdominal or back pain		X
Bloating		X
Changes in bathroom habits		X		X
Itching or burning of the vulva					X
Changes in vulva color or skin, such as a rash, sores, or warts					X