Female Reproductive Cancers

Females* are at risk for certain cancers that start in the female reproductive system. These include cancer of the cervix, ovaries, uterus (endometrial and uterine sarcoma), vagina, and vulva. While very rare, pregnant females are also at risk for gestational trophoblastic disease. Knowing about these cancers and what you can do to help prevent them or find them earlier (when they are easier to treat) may help save your life.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix. The cervix is the opening of the uterus. It connects the vagina (or birth canal) to the uterus (womb). Cervical cancer usually starts with changes to the cells on the cervix, called dysplasia.

Cervical cancer is most common among people with a cervix who rarely or have never been screened for cervical cancer. Black females are more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer and to die from the disease.

What you can do

Cervical cancer is preventable through regular screening and by getting the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

    Get screened:Regular cancer screening can find abnormal cells on the cervix and remove them before they become cancer. Regular screening can also help find cancer early when treatment may work best.

    If you areaged 21 to 65, you should get screened for cervical cancer. How often you should get screened depends on your age and the type of test you get. More information on screening guidelines can be found here.

    If you don't have health insurance and need cervical cancer screening, call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) or visit the New York State Cancer Services Program.

    Get vaccinated:Nearly all cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer. It is recommended that everyone get the HPV vaccine starting at age nine. Teens and adults through age 26 years who didn't start or finish the HPV series should get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine can be given to people up to age 45 after a discussion with a health care provider. The vaccine works best when given before exposure to HPV. People who have been vaccinated against HPV should still be screened for cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer symptoms, risk factors, and more

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is cancer that forms in the ovaries. Ovaries are female reproductive glands that produce eggs needed for reproduction, as well as female hormones.

Ovarian cancer is most common among women over the age of 55.

What you can do

    Be aware of your family history: Having a family history of ovarian cancer or certain inherited genetic changes (like BRCA1 and BRCA2) may increase your risk for ovarian cancer. Discuss any concerns about your family history or genetics with your health care provider.

    Be aware of symptoms and have regular health exams:Be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and talk to your health care provider if they occur. Ovarian cancer may be easier to treat if found early.

Ovarian cancer symptoms, risk factors, and more

Cancers of the Uterus (Uterine Cancer)

Uterine cancer is cancer that starts in the uterus. The uterus (also called the womb) is a pear-shaped organ in a woman's abdomen between the bladder and the rectum. The uterus is the part of the female reproductive system where a baby grows during pregnancy. There are two main types of uterine cancer: endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma.

In New York State, cancer of the uterus is the fourth most common cancer among females. Uterine cancer usually affects people between the ages of 45 and 64; it is rare before age 45. Cancer of the uterus occurs more frequently among non-Hispanic Black females than any other females.

    Endometrial Cancer

    Endometrial cancer is cancer that forms in the inner lining (the endometrium) of the uterus (womb). It is the most common type of uterine cancer. There are many different types of endometrial cancers, also called endometrial carcinomas.

    Uterine Sarcoma

    Uterine sarcoma is a very rare type of uterine cancer that forms in the muscles or supportive tissues of the uterus.

What you can do

    Be aware of your family history: Individuals with close relatives who have had uterine cancer may be at higher risk for developing uterine cancer themselves. Discuss concerns about your family history with your health care provider.

    Be aware of symptoms and have regular health exams:Be aware of the symptoms of uterine cancer and talk to your health care provider if they occur. Uterine cancer may be easier to treat if found early.

Cancers of the uterus symptoms, risk factors, and more

Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is a very rare cancer that forms in the vagina, also called the birth canal. The vagina connects the bottom of the uterus (womb) to the outside of the body.

Vaginal cancer is not common. When it occurs, it usually affects people 60 years or older. Many vaginal cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

What you can do

    Get vaccinated:Getting the HPV vaccine can reduce your chances of developing certain cancers, including vaginal cancer. It is recommended that everyone get the HPV vaccine starting at age nine. The HPV vaccine can be given to people up to age 45 after a discussion with a health care provider. The vaccine works best when given before exposure to HPV.

    Be aware of symptoms and have regular health exams:Be aware of the symptoms of vaginal cancer and talk to your health care provider if they occur. Vaginal cancer may be easier to treat if found early.

Vaginal cancer symptoms, risk factors, and more

Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the vulva, the outer part of the female genital organs. The vulva includes the inner and outer lips of the vagina, the clitoris, the opening of the vagina and its glands, and the mons pubis (rounded area in front of the pubic bones).

The risk of vulvar cancer increases with age. More than half of vulvar cancers occur in females over age 70.

What you can do

    Get vaccinated:Getting the HPV vaccine can reduce your chances of developing certain cancers, including vulvar cancer. It is recommended that everyone get the HPV vaccine starting at age nine. Teens and adults through age 26 years who didn't start or finish the HPV series should get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine can be given to people up to age 45 after a discussion with a health care provider. The vaccine works best when given before exposure to HPV.

    Be aware of symptoms and have regular health exams:Be aware of the symptoms of vaginal cancer and talk to your health care provider if they occur. Vulvar cancer may be easier to treat if found early.

Vulvar cancer symptoms, risk factors, and more

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a group of rare diseases in which abnormal cells grow inside of the uterus (womb) during pregnancy. Most GTD is benign (not cancer), but in very rare cases, abnormal cell masses (tumors) become cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body.

Although it is a very rare disease, females who become pregnant younger than 20 or older than 35 have a higher chance of developing GTD.

What you can do

    Be aware of symptoms and talk with your health care provider if they occur. Symptoms of GTD are associated with other pregnancy-related conditions, and the only way to know if your symptoms are being caused by GTD is to have them evaluated by a health care provider.

Gestational trophoblastic disease symptoms, risk factors, and more

Additional Resources

* Please note that for the purposes of this webpage, the term "female" is used to refer to individuals who were assigned female at birth (AFAB). In addition, the terms "women" and "female" are used when it is necessary to accurately reflect how data were collected and reported in the original source.