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

Key takeaways

• Talking about it can feel taboo, but starting the conversation can mean faster access to care
• Knowledge is power: from the basics to what it means for pregnancy, we’ve answered your key questions
• Early detection and dedicated specialist support can significantly improve outcomes

Gynaecological cancers, including cervical, ovarian, womb, vulval and vaginal cancer, affect thousands of people across the UK every year – yet striking up a conversation around them is not always easy.

Worryingly, less than half of women act on symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, even though it is often the first symptom to arise with these cancers.

But Dr Rishi Patel, Vitality’s Clinical Operations Director, stresses the importance of talking about health concerns as it helps to break 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 make conversations around women’s health a little easier, we are answering four of your most common – and most important – questions about gynaecological cancer.

Gynaecological cancer explained

Knowing what to expect can make that first conversation feel much easier. Here’s what you need to know.

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 for 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 is also known as uterine or endometrial

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

Find out more about the symptoms, causes and treatment of each one. 

2. Which gynaecological cancer is most common?

Womb cancer is the most common of the five gynaecological cancers among people in the UK and affects almost 10,000 people annually.

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

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 new cases recorded every year in the UK, expected to rise to 9,400 a year by 2040. 

Symptoms of the disease are often described as ‘silent’ as they are vague and non-specific, which makes them easy to miss. 

Cervical cancer is the third most common gynaecological cancer, but also one of the most preventable thanks to NHS screening. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer, which is why HPV testing forms part of the NHS cervical screening programme.

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.

Read Kirsten's cervical cancer survival story and learn more about the importance of smear tests.

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.

The 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.

If you're interested in how health insurance could support you through a cancer diagnosis, our guide to health insurance and cancer can help.

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

The answer will be different for everyone, depending on the type and stage of cancer and the treatment involved.

In some cases, it may be possible to remove the cancer without removing the womb, meaning there's a possibility of becoming pregnant in the future.

However, for many people, treatment may involve a radical hysterectomy to remove the womb, or radiotherapy that can affect the ovaries and womb. 

These treatments can mean natural conception is no longer possible, but it doesn't necessarily close the door to becoming a parent.

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

Hear more from the experts

These four questions are a good place to start, and there's a lot more to say about women's health, symptoms, and knowing when something's not right.

In episode 3 of Vitality's podcast series The Good Health Edit, Dr Punam Krishan speaks to Consultant Gynaecologist and Cancer Surgeon, Dr Anita Mitra, about why so many women delay seeing a doctor about their symptoms, what "normal" actually means, and what shouldn't be ignored. 

How Vitality supports you through gynaecological health concerns 

Whatever cancer means for you right now, you don’t have to face it alone. Our support is there to help you every step of the way, with cancer cover included as standard with Vitality health insurance.

Early detection

Your cover includes a cancer risk assessment for cervical cancer, giving you a personalised view of your risk. For targeted cancer screenings, you may be offered a discounted screening with Check4Cancer, depending on your age and assessed risk level.

Treatment

If you're diagnosed with cancer, we'll work with you to find the support you need. We’ll pay your costs in full [1] and if you prefer, and your consultant agrees, you can also switch to treatment at home – including chemotherapy, tablets, injections and infusions.

Here when you need us

You'll have a dedicated Care Consultant, plus access to 12 months of personalised support through Perci Health, including a Cancer Nurse Specialist.

They can help you understand treatment, manage side effects and navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer on everyday life, while connecting you with physical, mental health and lifestyle support where needed.

We’ll also manage your claim, so you can focus on recovery.

[1] All in-patient and day-patient consultant and anaesthetist fees are covered in full for all cancers.

Related: 5 types of cancer screening we should all be aware of