Cancers in Women
Gynaecologic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in a woman's reproductive organs. Five main types of cancer affect a woman's reproductive organs cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulvar, and Breast cancer
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, except for skin cancers. It can occur at any age, but the risk increases as you get older. Because of certain factors, some women will have a greater chance of getting stuck with breast cancer than others. But every woman should know about the risks of breast cancer and what they can do to help lower their risk.
Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is a cancer of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus). The risk of endometrial cancer increases as a woman gets ages. Factors that affect hormone levels, like taking estrogen without progesterone and taking tamoxifen for breast cancer treatment or to lower breast cancer risk can increase a woman’s chance of getting this cancer. Having an early onset of menstrual periods, late menopause, a history of infertility or not having children can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
Chronic infection by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major important risk factor for cervical cancer. You can get HPV through intimate skin-to-skin contact, such as having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who already has the virus. Other risk factors for cervical cancer include smoking, a weakened immune system, having a Chlamydia infection, being overweight, being exposed to or taking certain hormone treatments, and not having regular Pap tests.
Ovarian cancer
Although ovarian cancer can occur at any age, it is more likely to occur as women get older. Women who have never had children, or who had their first child after age 35 may be at increased risk for this cancer. Women who have used estrogen alone as hormone replacement therapy are also at increased risk. Women with a personal or family history of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC or Lynch Syndrome), ovarian cancer, or breast cancer are more likely to have a higher risk for ovarian cancer. But women who don’t have any of these conditions or risk factors can still have the chance of getting ovarian cancer.