Cancer More Cancer Types Overview of Gynecologic Cancer Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention of Gynecologic Cancer Print By Lisa Fayed Updated February 13, 2018 Gynecological Cancers. Thomas Barwick / Getty Images More in Cancer More Cancer Types Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Living With Support & Coping Prevention Bladder Cancer Brain Tumors Breast Cancer Symptoms Treatment Leukemia Lung Cancer Cervical Cancer Childhood Cancer Colon Cancer Gastric Cancer Head & Neck Cancer Liver Cancer Lymphoma Ovarian Cancer Pancreatic Cancer Prostate Cancer Skin Cancer Testicular Cancer Thyroid Cancer View All Gynecologic cancer is a group of cancers that affect the tissue and organs of the female reproductive system. Each type of cancer is named after the organ it originates. Types of gynecologic cancer include: cervical cancerovarian canceruterine cancervaginal cancervulvar cancer Causes and Risk Factors of Gynecologic Cancer The causes and risk factors of gynecologic cancer vary among the different types, but there are some common risks: HPV infectionDES exposure (synthetic estrogen given to women before 1971 during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage, but ultimately causing health risks to the expectant mother and daughters/son they carried)smokingHIV/AIDS infection There are also gynecologic risk factors that we have no control over like age, race, and family history of certain diseases and conditions that elevate our risk. A risk factor is not a prerequisite to developing a disease; some women will still develop gynecologic cancer despite not having any risk factor for it. Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancer Symptoms of gynecologic cancer vary, depending on the type of cancer. A broad spectrum of gynecologic cancer symptoms may include: pelvic painabnormal vaginal bleedingvaginal bleeding during or after sexual intercoursepersistent abdominal swelling or bloatingunintended weight gain or losspersistent bowel changes, like diarrhea or constipation These are common symptoms of gynecologic cancer, but there are more symptoms that relate specifically to each type. Diagnosis of Gynecologic Cancer How gynecologic cancer is diagnosed depends on what type of cancer is suspected. Pelvic exams, colposcopy exams, imaging tests, biopsies, and possibly even diagnostic surgery are all methods of diagnosing gynecologic cancer.Once cancer is confirmed, the stage of the cancer is then determined and a treatment plan is developed. Staging refers to how far the cancer has spread to nearby tissue or organs. Treatment of Gynecologic Cancer Treatment for gynecologic cancer depends on the type of cancer, stage, and other general health factors. Common methods of treating gynecologic include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Prevention of Gynecologic Cancer Prevention tactics differ among the types of gynecologic cancer because each specific cancer possesses their own causes and risk factors. There are some common risk factors for some gynecologic cancers in which we can reduce our risk. To reduce our risk of gynecologic cancer, you can: Reduce Your HPV Risk Limiting your exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV) may also decrease the risk of cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that in some cases when left undetected or untreated, may progress into cervical cancer. Get a Regular Pap Smear Getting a regular Pap smear is a highly effective way to reduce your risk of cervical cancer. The Pap smear is a simple test that can detect abnormal cervical changes long before they become cancerous. The key to the effectiveness of the Pap smear is having it done regularly. How often you need a Pap smear varies from woman to woman, based on age, previous pap smear results, and your cervical cancer risk factor. Always consult with your doctor about how often you should be having Pap smears. Avoid Smoking Since we know that tobacco use is linked to some types of gynecologic cancer, avoiding smoking is a good risk reduction strategy. Quitting smoking may reduce your risk of not only gynecologic cancer but many other types of diseases and conditions as well. Have Surgery if Recommended by Your Physician Women who have a high risk of ovarian cancer may have the option of having a prophylactic oophorectomy, surgical removal of one or both ovaries. This is not a standard prevention method and is only available to women whose increased risk has been confirmed through genetic testing. Studies also suggest tubal ligation reduces a woman's ovarian cancer risk, but the procedure is never done solely to prevent it.It is simply an added benefit of the surgery.Remember, some women still develop gynecologic cancer despite avoiding the risks. Risk reduction is effective but is not a guaranteed method of prevention. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Email Address Sign Up There was an error. Please try again. Thank you, , for signing up. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources American Cancer Society. Detailed Guide: Vaginal Cancer. 12 July 2006. American Cancer Society. Detailed Guide: Ovarian Cancer. 06 Feb 2008. National Cancer Institute. Ovarian Cancer. 23 April 2007. Continue Reading