Cancer Screening, Diagnosis & Treatment

Gynaecological cancers are cancers of the reproductive organs of women, which include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus (womb), cervix (neck of the womb), vagina (birth canal), and vulva (external genitals).

These cancers are not common, particularly in the UK. If we add all the gynaecological cancers that occur each year together, they account for less than half of the cases of breast cancer. However, women may be concerned about the possibility of gynaecological cancers because, unlike breast cancer, the gynaecological organs are not easily visible. It is therefore important for women to be aware of the various screening programmes for gynaecological cancers that exist and to also be aware of the symptoms so that the disease can be detected early when a full cure is usually possible. Women should also understand that although gynaecological cancers are more common in older women who have usually gone through the menopause, they can occur in younger women also.