Gynaecological Cancer

Gynaecological cancer

Every year, 420 South Australian women are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer.

Gynaecological cancer includes vulvar and vaginal cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer.
Cancer of the uterus is the most common gynaecological cancer, with more than 220 South Australian women diagnosed every year.

To find out more about these specific cancer types click through below.

Cancer of the uterus

Cancer of the uterus is the most diagnosed gynaecological cancer in Australia. The risk of a woman in Australia being diagnosed with cancer of the uterus by the age of 85 is 1 in 42.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer begins when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow uncontrollably. Cancer most commonly starts in the area of the cervix called the transformation zone, but it may spread to tissues around the cervix, such as the vagina, or to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs or liver.

Ovarian Cancer

There are three types of ovarian cancer: the common epithelial type (90% of cases) that arises from the cells on the outside of the ovary; the germ cell type (around 4% of cases) that arises from the cells which produce eggs; and the rare stromal type arising from supporting tissues within the ovary. Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer affecting women in Australia.

Vaginal cancer

Primary vaginal cancer is any cancer that starts in the vagina. Vaginal cancer is one of the rarest types of cancer affecting the female reproductive system.

Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer can start in any part of the external female sex organs (genitals). It most commonly develops in the labia majora, labia minora and the perineum. Less often, it involves the clitoris, mons pubis or Bartholin glands.

Learn more about the Gynaecological Cancer Fund and the work we do in Gynaecological Cancer research, prevention and support.

Learn more

Donate