4 questions about gynaecological cancer you shouldn’t be afraid to ask

September marks Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness for cancer of the cervix, ovaries, vagina, vulva and womb.

These diseases affect thousands of people across the UK every year yet striking up a conversation around them remains stubbornly difficult to have.

Vitality data shows that almost a quarter (21%) of women are too embarrassed to seek medical advice for female-related health concerns and that 20% would not start a conversation around a taboo topic for fear of being judged.[1]

But Dr Rishi Patel, Vitality’s Clinical Operations Director, stresses the importance of talking about health concerns as it helps to breaks the stigma and can get you faster access to care should you need it.

“Although significant progress has been made in the area of women’s health and our attitudes towards it, taboos do still exist,” he explains.

“Talking about a health concern has the potential to save lives, whether that’s encouraging someone to attend a screening appointment or finding support in others going through the same experience.”

To help break the stigma surrounding women’s health, we are answering four of your most common – and most important – questions about gynaecological cancer.

1. What are gynaecological cancers?

Gynaecological cancer refers to five types of cancer: cervical, ovarian, vaginal, vulva and womb. NHS England states that these five cancers account to around 12% of all cancer diagnoses.

• Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, the narrow passage to the lower end of the uterus
• Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or peritoneum (the lining of the tummy)
• Vaginal cancer, while a very rare cancer, occurs anywhere in the vagina, usually forming in the vaginal lining
• Vulva cancer, also a rare type of cancer, develops most commonly on the skin of the labia
• Womb cancer starts in the lining of the womb and are also known as uterine or endometrial

Each of these diseases has their own set of symptoms, which can vary from vaginal bleeding to something seemingly innocuous, such as back pain.

Read one Vitality member’s cervical cancer survival story here and more about the importance of smear tests on Vitality Magazine.

2. Which gynaecological cancer is most common?

Womb cancer is the most common of the five gynaecological cancers among people in the UK.

Today, it is the fourth most common cancer among women, affecting almost 10,000 people annually.

“The risk of developing womb cancer increases with age and increased exposure to the hormone oestrogen,” says Patel.

Obesity is a major factor in contributing to a womb cancer diagnosis, with nearly one-third of womb cancer cases linked to excess weight.

Symptoms vary from abnormal bleeding from the vagina, bleeding between your periods and a change in vaginal discharge.

Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynaecological cancer with around 7,500 news cases recorded every year in the UK.

That number, however, is predicted to rise by 5% between 2023 and 2025, and from 2038 to 2040.

Symptoms of the disease are often described as ‘silent’ as they are vague and non-specific, which makes knowing the signs potentially lifesaving.

Cervical cancer is the third most common gynaecological cancer. That being said, it is one of the most preventable due to screening programmes run by the NHS.

In 2025, the NHS updated its screening programme to every five years for those who have a negative HPV screening instead of every three.

This applies to women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 49 years old. Those aged between 50 and 64 are invited for screening every five years as standard.

If you want to get started on your fitness journey, here are some tips on how to get started in the gym from Vitality’s Head of Exercise & Physical Activity, Jonny Kibble. 

3. Can gynaecological cancers be cured?

Yes, gynaecological cancers can be cured, especially if they are caught early.

Survival rates vary depending on the type of cancer and the stage at diagnosis.

They key? Being aware of the symptoms, screening that is available and seeking medical advice if you think there is a problem.

That’s why speaking out and seeking help early is so vital.

Also, making sure that you are fit and healthy will increase your chances of a positive outcome, if you do need treatment for any gynaecological cancer.

4. Can I still get pregnant if I am diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer?

This is a complex question to answer and can depend on the type, stage and treatment of the cancer.

For some people it may be possible to have surgery to remove the cancer and leave the womb in place, allowing for them to become pregnant in the future.

However, for many, treatment involves a radical hysterectomy, the removal of the womb, or radiotherapy, which can damage the ovaries and uterus.

These procedures often mean that natural conception is no longer possible.

However, there is hope.

In the UK, it is possible to freeze your eggs and embryos ahead of cancer treatment, meaning other paths to conception can be possible.

If you are worried about a cancer diagnosis and want to find out more, visit Vitality’s Guide to Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment.

[1] Vitality data, 2023

Related: Kirsten’s cervical cancer survivor story