Gynecological Cancer
It is estimated that 80,720 new cases of gynecological cancer will be diagnosed and 28,120 deaths will occur in 2009. Learn more...
Gynecological cancers consist of cervical, endometrial, fallopian tubes, ovarian, uterus and vaginal cancers - cancers that affect the female reproductive system.
Types of Gynecological Cancer
- Cancer of the Cervix: cancer cells are found in the tissues that connect the uterus to the vagina.
- Cancer of the Endometrium (uterine corpus): cancer cells form in the lining of the uterus.
- Sarcoma of the Uterus: cancer cells grow in the muscles or other supporting tissues of the uterus.
- Cancer of the Vagina: cancer cells in the vagina which are generally from spreading of another gynecologic cancer since primary cancers of the vagina are rare. Two types: squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
- Cancer of the Vulva: cancer cells are found in the outer part of a woman's vagina.
Gynecological Cancer Risk Factors
Certain risk factors increase a person's chance of getting the disease. This does not mean the person will get the disease nor does it mean people without specific risk factors will not get the disease. It only means there is an increased chance.
- Age
- Pharmaceuticals (certain fertility drugs, DES, Tamoxifen)
- Genetics
- Reproductive History (early menstruation before 12, having no children or first after age 30, experience menopause after age 50)
- Nutrition (high fat diet and obesity)
- Lifestyle (sex before 18, numerous partners, STDs, smoking)
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
References: American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute
Information Gathered: 9/10/09