What causes gynecologic cancers?
Biomedical research has discovered that some classes of genes, called oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, promote the growth of cancer. You can acquire abnormal function of these genes during life (e.g., through smoking, aging, environmental influences) or you can inherit gene mutations from your parents or grandparents. In one instance – cervical cancer – cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted virus.

Can gynecologic cancers be prevented?
Diet, exercise and lifestyle choices play a significant role in the prevention of cancer. Additionally, knowing your family history can increase your chance of early diagnosis and can help you take action toward prevention. Screening and self-examinations conducted regularly can result in the detection of certain types of gynecologic cancers in their earlier stages, when treatment is more likely to be successful and a complete cure is a possibility.

Who should treat gynecologic cancers?
Gynecologic cancers should be treated by a cancer specialist, such as a gynecologic oncologist. A gynecologic oncologist is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist who has an additional three to four years of specialized training in treating gynecologic cancers from an American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology-approved program. This subspecialty program provides training in the biology and pathology of gynecologic cancers, as well as in all forms of treatment for these diseases, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and experimental treatments.

How are gynecologic cancers treated?
Gynecologic cancers are treated by using one or more of the following options: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or experimental treatments. The choice of therapy depends on the type and stage of the cancer.

Who is at risk?
Every woman is at risk for developing a gynecologic cancer. Each year, approximately 82,550 women in the United States are diagnosed with cancers affecting the reproductive organs*. Various factors can also increase a woman’s risk of being diagnosed above that of the average for the general population. (see “Risk Factors” on Gynecologic Cancers Fact Sheet).