W O MENS REPRODUCTIVE (GYNECOLOGIC) CANCERS

WHAT ARE
REPRODUCTIVE

WOMENS
CANCERS?
WHO IS AT RISK?

Cancers that occur in the womens reproductive system are known as womens reproductive or gynecologic cancers. The ve main types of gynecologic cancer are: ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal and vulvar.

All women are at risk for gynecologic cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 88,750 new womens reproductive cancer cases are expected in the United States in 2012, and 29,520 women are estimated to die from one of the types. Uterine is the most common type of womens reproductive cancer and ovarian is the deadliest.
VULVAR 4,490

88,750 new cases expected

in 2012 in the U.S.

CERVICAL 12,170

OVARIAN 22,280

UTERINE 47,130

VAGINAL/OTHER

2,680

Estimated New Womens Reproductive Cancer Cases & Deaths for the U.S. in 2012 (Source: American Cancer Society)

WHAT INCREASES RISK?

Each one of the ve main types of gynecologic cancer has its own set of risk factors. Key risk factors for each cancer type are:
OVARIAN
Strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer, never having children or the use of infertility drugs, personal history of breast cancer.

UTERINE
Obesity, estrogen or tamoxifen use, family history of uterine or colon cancer.

CERVICAL/VAGINAL/VULVAR
Infection with high- risk, HPV, smoking, compromised immune system.

STEPS TO TAKE TOWARD PREVENTION OR DETECTION:

Know your
family history

(reduce obesity)

and exercise

Eat healthy

Dont smoke

Get your Pap

smear and HPV

vaccine

symptoms :
abdominal pain

Know the
& swelling

Talk to your

doctor

bleeding
new lump

There are many other factors, in addition to those listed above, that can increase your risk for gynecologic cancer. Talk to your doctor or learn more at uabmedicine.org/WomensCancers