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Each year, almost 1400 Queensland women are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer, and nearly a third of them will lose their lives to it. If you or someone you care about is facing this diagnosis, Cancer Council Queensland can help, so you don’t have to go through cancer alone.
The terms “women,” “woman,” and “female” used on this page reflect the language used in the research studies and data sources referenced. Unfortunately, these terms do not encompass all individuals with these reproductive organs. At Cancer Council Queensland, we remain committed to providing information that is both accurate and accessible to everyone. We acknowledge and stand in solidarity with the LGBTIQA+ community.
Our team is here to listen and support you.
Gynaecological cancers affect the female reproductive organs and occur when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably.
These cancers are named after the organ where they first develop, and include ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulval, or vaginal cancer. Other types include fallopian tube cancer and pregnancy-related placenta cancer.
Around 1400 women in Queensland are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer every year and 356 die from it.
Gynaecological cancers are named after the organ or part of the body they first develop, and may include:
Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in one or both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, or the peritoneum grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. Though there are different types of ovarian cancer, the three most often diagnosed are epithelial, germ cell, and sex-cord stromal cancer.
While it can develop at any age, it’s more common in women over 50 and around 285 Queensland women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year.
Uterine cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Australian women and the most frequently diagnosed gynaecological cancer in the country.
It starts when abnormal cells in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) or the muscle tissue (myometrium) grow uncontrollably. It can either be endometrial cancer, which is the more common type, or the less common uterine sarcoma.
Each year, about 450 women in Queensland are diagnosed, with most being over 50.
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the cervix grow uncontrollably and spread into the underlying tissue. It’s often diagnosed when the cancer is still within the cervix but can spread to nearby areas.Around 200 women in Queensland are diagnosed each year, mostly over 30, although it can happen at any age.
Vulvar cancer can start in any part of the external female sex organs (genitals). It most commonly develops in the labia minora, the labia majora, and the perineum. While vulvar cancer is rare, around 390 Australian women are diagnosed each year.
It most often affects women after menopause, but diagnoses in those under 60 have been increasing, likely due to rising HPV infection rates.
Vaginal cancer is a rare type of gynaecological cancer that starts in the vagina.
Each year, around 100 Australian women are diagnosed, with most being over 60. However, certain types, like adenocarcinoma, can also affect younger women.
Signs of gynaecological cancers depend largely on the type of disease. While many symptoms associated with these types of female cancers can have less concerning causes, it’s important to make an appointment with your GP for an examination if you’re experiencing any of the following:
Uterine cancer is the most diagnosed gynaecological cancer in Australia. Around 450 Queensland women are diagnosed each year. Most early-stage cancer of the uterus can be treated with surgery and have a good prognosis with high survival rates.
The five main types of gynaecological cancer include uterine, cervical, ovarian, vulval and vaginal. Each year, approximately 1085 women in Queensland are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer, and 356 lose their lives to the disease.
Each year, more than 4500 Australian women are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer – an average of 12 women every day. These cancers make up 9% of all reported cancers in females, with most cases occurring in women aged 60 and older.
