Gynecologic Cancer Foundation

Gynecologic  cancers are the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells originating in  the female reproductive organs, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian  tubes, vagina and vulva. 

There are many factors  that cause gynecologic cancers. Medical research has discovered that some  classes of genes, called oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, promote the  growth of cancer. The abnormal function of these genes can be acquired (e.g.,  through smoking, aging, environmental influences) or inherited. Almost all  cervical cancers and some cancers of the vagina and vulva are caused by a virus  known as HPV, or Human Papillomavirus.

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.  Diet, exercise and lifestyle choices play a significant role in the prevention  of cancer. Additionally, knowledge of family history can increase the chance of  prevention or early diagnosis by determining if someone may have a gene which  makes them susceptible to cancer.

Gynecologic cancers should be treated by 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.

Gynecologic cancers are treated by using one or more of the following;  surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The choice of therapy depends on the  type and stage of the cancer.

Every woman is at risk for  developing a gynecologic cancer. It is estimated that there will be about 78,000  new cases diagnosed and approximately 28,000 deaths from gynecologic cancers in  the United States during 2007.

2007 State  of the State of Gynecologic Cancers: Fifth Annual Report to the Women of  America

Articles

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation releases its 2007 annual report.

Gynecologic Cancer Foundation

Web Exclusive: 2007 State of the State of Gynecologic Cancers

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