Celebrating Gynecological Cancers Awareness Month

Celebrating Gynecological Cancers Awareness Month

Written By
Mikay Parsons
Published
September 16, 2026

Over 100,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with a gynecological cancer in 2026. In recognition of this widespread set of diseases, September is Gynecological Cancers Awareness Month. Keep reading to learn more about what they are, who is at risk, and what symptoms might tell you it’s time to talk to your doctor.

What are gynecological cancers?

Gynecological cancers are cancers that occur in the reproductive system. These include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Each type has its own rates of occurrence and treatment regimen.

Gynecological cancers are named for the body parts where they occur, with one notable exception. Cervical concerns occur in the cervix, uterine in the uterus, vaginal in the vagina (the vaginal canal), and vulvar in the vulva. Ovarian cancer is a group of cancers that can originate in the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, or the peritoneum.

Who is at risk for gynecological cancers?

Anyone with any of the body types that can be impacted by gynecological cancers (cervix, uterus, vagina, vulva, ovaries, fallopian tubes) can be at risk for these wide group of diseases. 

However, there are some key factors that increase the risk of the occurrence:

What symptoms should I look out for?

Paying attention to your body and its changes can help you recognize the warning signs of many types of gynecological cancers. If you notice any of the below symptoms, talk to your doctor. 

Key symptoms of gynecological cancers:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge

  • Feeling full too quickly or difficulty eating, bloating, and abdominal or back pain

  • Pelvic pain or pressure

  • More frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation

  • Itching, burning, pain, or tenderness of the vulva, and changes in vulva color or skin, such as a rash, sores, or warts

How are gynecological cancers found?

The different types of gynecological cancers have different screening tests to check for their occurrence. It is important to undergo regular screenings regardless of whether or not you have any of these symptoms. Regular screenings, like pap smears that can check for cervical cancer, allow detection of early abnormalities, often before symptoms present themselves. This can substantially increase the ability to treat gynecological cancers, and cancers in general. 

Gynecological cancers are diagnosed using some combination of a patient’s medical history, physical exams, and diagnostic testing. Things like blood tests, pap tests, and imaging tests can all help your doctor identify the potential for gynecological cancer. Often, biopsies are needed to confirm the diagnosis of cancer, and further testing tells your medical team if or how far the cancer has spread.

Early detection and diagnosis are crucial to improved quality of life and treatment outcomes. Talk to your doctor at your next visit to make sure you are up to date on all of your cancer screenings, and make sure to report any new or worsening symptoms.

Resources

  1. FWC (2026). Gynecological cancers. Foundation for Women’s Cancer. https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/gynecologic-cancers/

  2. CDC (2024). Ovarian cancer basics. Center for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/ovarian-cancer/about/index.html

  3. CDC (2024). Cervical cancer basics. Center for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/cervical-cancer/about/index.html

  4. CDC (2024). Uterine cancer basics. Center for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/uterine-cancer/about/index.html

  5. CDC (2024). Symptoms of gynecological cancers. Center for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/symptoms/index.html

  6. Moffitt Cancer Center (2025). A comprehensive guide to gynecological cancer screenings and diagnostics. Moffitt Cancer Center. https://www.moffitt.org/for-healthcare-professionals/clinical-perspectives/clinical-perspectives-story-archive/a-comprehensive-guide-to-gynecologic-cancer-screenings-and-diagnostics/

  7. Cleveland Clinic (2024). Pap smear. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4267-pap-smear

  8. Yale Medicine (n.d.). Gynecological cancers. Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/gynecological-cancers

DRA: 1498091626

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