Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix. This is the opening of the womb (uterus) into the vagina. Cervical cancer is most common in women in their 30s, but screening can help prevent it.
5 Sep 2024
Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month 2024
Gynaecological cancers affect thousands of women every year, yet many remain unaware of the risks and symptoms. Every year, more than 19,000 new cases are diagnosed in the UK.
During Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month this September, we will provide essential information on the five types of gynaecological cancers, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, womb cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulval cancer. We’ll also highlight the groundbreaking research we’re funding to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Understanding gynaecological cancers
Gynaecological cancers are cancers that start in a woman's reproductive organs. Early detection and knowledge of symptoms can save lives, but awareness and research into these conditions remain underfunded.
Learn more about each type of gynaecological cancer
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Symptoms include tummy pain, bloating, reduced appetite and needing to pee more often.
Womb cancer
Most womb cancer starts in the lining of the uterus (womb). Around 9,700 women are diagnosed with womb cancer each year in the UK. The most common symptom is unusual bleeding from the vagina. It is also the most common gynaecological cancer in the UK.
Vaginal cancer
Vaginal cancer is a cancer that starts in the vagina. You may have a lump inside your vagina, unusual bleeding or discharge. Vaginal cancer can be treated and there is support available.
Vulval cancer
The vulva is the external part of the female genitals. Cancer in this area can cause a lump that may be sore or bleeding. There are 1,400 new cases in the UK every year.
Do you have questions about gynaecological cancers?
Join us for an insightful free webinar where our expert panel, Dr Neil Ryan, trainee in gynaecology oncology and Chair, Prof Dame Lesley Regan will be speaking about the common symptoms and will be joined by Sbba Siddique who will share her experience of navigating a gynaecological cancer diagnosis.
The session will focus on understanding the symptoms of gynaecological cancers, prevention and how to advocate for the right support.
Spotlight on research: Detecting ovarian cancer sooner
Ovarian cancer is often not diagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat effectively. Currently, less than half of women survive for five years after being diagnosed.
When women go to their GP with symptoms that could suggest ovarian cancer, like persistent bloating, a blood test called CA125 is usually done. But CA125 is not a perfect test. It can be abnormal in conditions other than cancer, and it fails to pick up some ovarian cancers, especially early-stage cases.
We funded Dr Garth Funston’s research project to see if a newer blood test called HE4 may be better than CA125 at detecting ovarian cancer within GP settings.
After analysing 1,247 patients over a 12-month period, the results showed that a combination of CA125, HE4 and an algorithm (called ROMA) could improve detection of ovarian cancer – particularly in those under 50. The next steps are to do a larger-scale study, and if successful, this testing could transform early-diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Detecting more ovarian cancers at an early stage when treatment is more effective could be lifesaving for the thousands of women who will be diagnosed every year.
Dr Funston said: “This is particularly significant for women who are under the age of 50 as the current blood test for CA125 is notoriously less accurate in younger women.
Our research provides a real opportunity to improve diagnosis, enabling women to receive treatment sooner and hopefully improve patient outcomes."
Join the fight against gynaecological cancers
Your support is essential in helping us fund critical cancer research. With your help, we can continue to push the boundaries of what's possible and improve outcomes for women with gynaecological cancers.
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