While cancer can happen to anyone, women are uniquely susceptible to gynecologic cancers. The world-renowned team and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center is dedicated to diagnosing and treating any type of cancer, including women's gynecologic cancer.
Women can develop almost any type of cancer, but gynecologic cancers specifically affect the female reproductive system. These organs include the uterus, cervix, ovary, vulva and vagina. The most common types of gynecologic cancers are endometrial cancer (found in the lining of the cervix and uterus), ovarian cancers (found on the surface or inside an ovary) and cervical cancer (found on the cervix).
The most important thing a woman can do to reduce her risk of gynecological cancer is to reduce the number of known risk factors and follow screening guidelines for detecting cancer at its earliest stage.
Types of cancer that affect women include:
While breast cancer is not a type of gynecological cancer, it mostly affects women. Breast cancer is diagnosed when malignant tumors are found in the breast tissue. There is a high rate of surviving and curing breast cancer when it is detected early. Banner Health offers a comprehensive breast program to help prevent, diagnose and treat breast cancer as easily as possible.
Learn more about breast cancer.
Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix. Most women who develop cervical cancer are between 20 and 50 years old. Fortunately, pap smears have helped doctors find cervical cancer in its early stages for successful treatment.
Learn more about cervical cancer.
Ovarian cancer affects the ovaries. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague or similar to other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose. For example, ovarian cysts are very common in women and are not often cancerous but can become cancerous and spread to other parts of the body. Due to ovarian cancer’s difficult diagnosis, it is important for women to monitor any changes that may occur.
Learn more about ovarian cancer.
Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that affects the uterus. This is the fourth most common cancer in women and is on average diagnosed when a woman is around 60 years old. Most uterine cancers develop over a period of years and start as less serious problems. Fortunately, early diagnosis of uterine cancer happens often due to its warning signs, including abnormal or postmenopausal bleeding.
Learn more about uterine cancer.
Gynecologic cancers are often diagnosed through routine preventative screenings. Additional testing might be required for an accurate diagnosis and to determine a treatment plan.
As always, preventative screenings and early detection are keys to surviving any kind of cancer, including breast and gynecologic cancers. The team at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center treats all cancers with a multidisciplinary approach. Our experts work together to develop a treatment plan based on your unique needs.
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