Gynaecological cancers

Gynaecological cancers are cancers of the female reproductive system and occur when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way.
Gynaecological cancers are named according to the organ or part of the body where they first develop, these include:

• Ovarian cancer: begins in one or both ovaries, a pair of solid, oval-shaped organs producing hormones and eggs (ova).
• Uterine cancer: begins in the main body of the uterus, a hollow organ about the size and shape of an upside-down pear.
• Cervical cancer: begins in the cervix, the lower, cylinder-shaped part of the uterus.
• Vaginal cancer: begins in the vagina (also called the birth canal), a muscular tube-like channel that extends from the cervix to the external part of the female sex organs (vulva).
• Vulval cancer: begins in the vulva, the outer part of the female reproductive system. It includes the opening of the vagina, the inner and outer lips (also called labia minora and labia majora), the clitoris and the mons pubis (soft, fatty mound of tissue, above the labia).
• Fallopian Tube cancer: begins in one or both of the fallopian tubes, the tubular structures which connect the upper, outer-most part of the uterus with the ovary.

Treatment for gynaecological cancer will depend on the type of cancer, the stage or its development and other health factors. Treatment commonly includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Please click on the links above to find out more about each specific cancer.