Female Reproductive System Cancers
Female Reproductive System Cancers, also known as gynaecological cancers, is any cancer that starts in the female reproductive organs. The five main types of gynaecological cancers are cervical, ovarian, uterine or endometrial, vaginal and vulvar.
Female reproductive system cancers can occur in anyone born with a female reproductive system, including trans-men and non-binary people.
Cervical Cancer
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus and is often called the ‘neck of the uterus’. Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the cervix. It is almost always caused by infection with human papilloma virus (HPV).
The most common type of cervical cancer is squamous cell carcinoma.
The rate of cervical cancer has decreased due to the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) and HPV vaccination.
Visit the Cancer Control Agency website for more information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer starts when abnormal cells grow in one or both of the ovaries, small glands on either side of the uterus that produce eggs. There are three main types of ovarian cancer, named after the types of ovarian cells in which they develop:
- Epithelial: the most common, it starts in the cells covering the ovary,
- Germ cell: starts in the cells that turn into eggs,
- Stromal: starts in the cells inside the ovary that produce hormones.
Visit the Cancer Control Agency website for more information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.
Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer develops when abnormal cells in the uterus (womb) grow in an abnormal way. It is also known as endometrial cancer. There are two main types of uterine cancer:
- Endometrial cancer (which grows in the lining of the uterus),
- Uterine sarcomas (which grow in the muscle or other tissues of the uterus).
Uterine cancer is more common in Māori and Pacific peoples.
Visit the Cancer Control Agency website for more information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of uterine cancer.
Vaginal Cancer
The vagina is the muscular tube that extends from the opening of the womb (cervix) to the folds of skin (vulva) between a woman’s legs.
Vaginal cancer is one of the rarer gynaecological cancers, making up just 2% of cases. Vaginal cancer can be primary or secondary:
- Primary: a rare cancer that starts in the vagina
- Secondary: cancer that starts in another part of the body (commonly the cervix or vulva) and spreads (metastasises) to the vagina
Most vaginal cancer is secondary cancer. The most common types of vaginal cancer are:
- Squamous cell carcinomas, which start in the cells lining the vagina,
- Adenocarcinoma, which is starts in the glandular cells.
There is also less common vaginal cancer, including melanoma, sarcoma and small cell carcinoma.
Disclosure: The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult a qualified medical professional or your healthcare provider if your are seeking medical advice.
Support
Discovering you, or a member of your whānau, is facing a female reproductive system cancer can be really hard. A diagnosis of a female reproductive system cancer can result in a range of mixed reactions and life challenges.
Cancer affects everyone differently. That’s why Canteen provides a wide range of free support services to help rangatahi manage the specific challenges they’re dealing with. Canteen services and events can help you find ways to cope with what life looks like now you are facing these unexpected challenges.
You can talk to one of our specialist clinical team about the impacts of cancer on your life. This can be either in person, over the phone, or online. Rangatahi can also connect online 24/7 with peers who understand what you’re going through.
Visit the Cancer Control Agency and Talk Peach Gynaecological Cancer Awareness websites for more information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive system cancers, or speak to your Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) key worker at hospital.