September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month

Introduction

In the United States, an estimated 80,720 new cases of gynecologic cancer will be diagnosed in 2009 and an estimated 28,120 deaths nationwide will be attributed to gynecologic cancer. These cancers affect the female reproductive system and include the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus and vagina.

In an effort to increase public awareness about gynecologic cancer, UPMC Cancer Centers joins other organizations nationwide to promote Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in September. UPMC developed these pages as a resource for learning more about gynecologic cancer.

Types of gynecologic cancer

• Cancer of the cervix – A common kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the tissues that connect the uterus to the vagina (birth canal).
• Cancer of the endometrium – Known as cancer of the uterine corpus, cancer cells form in the lining of the uterus. It is a highly curable tumor. This type of cancer is different from cancer of the muscle of the uterus (see below) which is known as sarcoma of the uterus.
• Cancer of the vagina – More often a gynecologic cancer has spread here since primary cancer of the vagina is rare. There are two types of cancer of the vagina: squamous cell cancer (squamous carcinoma) and adenocarcinoma.
• Cancer of the vulva – A rare kind of cancer where cancer cells are found in the outer part of a woman's vagina.
• Sarcoma of the uterus – A very rare kind of cancer where cancer cells start growing in the muscles or other supporting tissues of the uterus. Its presence is not detectable by a Pap test.

Gynecologic cancer risk factors

Anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease is called a risk factor. Although certain factors increase a woman's risk for developing gynecologic cancer, they do not always cause the disease.

• Age – Most gynecologic cancers develop in post-menopausal women (after age 60), though some cancers can strike women at much younger ages.
• Pharmaceuticals – Certain fertility drugs that failed to result in pregnancy may increase risk. DES, an estrogen drug (diethylstilbestrol) taken during pregnancy puts daughters at risk for a rare form of cervical and vaginal cancer. Tamoxifen increases risk.
• Genetics – If a family history of gynecologic or breast cancer exists, women may consider being tested since those found to carry certain genes known to cause gynecologic cancers are at greater risk.
• Reproductive history – Early onset of menstruation (before age 12), having no children or having a first child after age 30, and/or experiencing menopause after age 50 are risk indicators.
• Nutrition – A high-fat diet and obesity increase risk for endometrial cancer, especially those with Type I diabetes.
• Lifestyle – Sex before age 18, sleeping with numerous partners, or having a partner with a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as HIV, or being a smoker all can increase one's gynecologic cancer risk.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – Endometrial and ovarian cancer risk is increased with the prolonged use of HRT or estrogen replacement therapy (ERT).

Gynecologic cancer facts

• On average, every 6.4 minutes a woman in this country will be diagnosed with a cancer of the reproductive organs.
• All women over age 18 should have a yearly Pap test (also known as a Pap Smear) and pelvic exam to establish a pattern of gynecologic health. Any unexpected bleeding or spotting should be brought to the attention of a gynecologist.

Sources: American Cancer Society; National Cancer Institute

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