Shining a Light on Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
Every September, we honor Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month—a time to bring attention to cancers that affect women’s reproductive health: cervical, ovarian, uterine (endometrial), vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
Why it Matters
Nearly every five minutes, a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer. Each year, more than 95,000 women face this diagnosis, and sadly, over 30,000 lives are lost.
A Closer Look at Cervical Cancer
- In 2025, it’s estimated there will be about 13,360 new cases of invasive cervical cancer and around 4,320 deaths in the U.S. alone.
- Screening and vaccination have slashed cervical cancer rates by more than half since the mid-1970s, though recent years have seen rates level off.
- Early detection works: Localized cervical cancer boasts a 5-year survival rate of 91%, while distant-stage cancer drops to just 19.5%.
The Hidden Threat of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer accounts for just 3% of women’s cancers, but is the deadliest gynecologic cancer due to a lack of early symptoms and screening. Early-stage ovarian cancer has a survival rate of over 90%, yet most cases are caught too late.
Symptoms to Know
Gynecologic cancers don’t always shout their presence—sometimes the signs are subtle, easy to brush off as “normal.” But listening to your body is key. Common symptoms can include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Bloating, persistent stomach pain, or feeling full too quickly
- Pelvic pressure or discomfort
- Pain during sex
- Changes in bathroom habits (frequent urination, constipation)
- Itching, burning, or sores that don’t heal (especially with vulvar cancers)
Even if symptoms feel minor, trust your instincts—early detection saves lives.
Also read: Cervical Cancer Awareness: What Every Woman Should Know
Prevention Tips: Small Steps, Big Impact
While not all gynecologic cancers can be prevented, there are ways to lower your risk and catch them earlier:
- Stay up-to-date on screenings – Regular Pap smears and HPV tests can detect early cervical changes before they become cancer.
- Consider the HPV vaccine – It’s safe, effective, and protects against the strains of HPV that cause most cervical cancers.
- Know your body’s signals – Pay attention to unusual bleeding, persistent bloating, or pelvic pain. Don’t ignore symptoms.
- Talk about family history – Genetic factors like BRCA mutations can raise risk. Knowing your family’s cancer history helps doctors guide screening.
- Prioritize healthy habits – Maintaining a balanced weight, being physically active, and not smoking can all reduce risk.
Also read: Understanding HPV: What Every Woman Should Know
Treatment Options
Treatment often depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Some common approaches include:
- Surgery – to remove tumors or affected organs
- Radiation therapy – using targeted energy to destroy cancer cells
- Chemotherapy – medication that attacks cancer throughout the body
- Targeted therapy & immunotherapy – newer treatments that harness the body’s own defenses
While these treatments can be life-saving, they can also take a toll physically, with side effects like fatigue, nausea, hair loss, or early menopause.
The Mental & Emotional Toll
A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect the body—it impacts the whole person. Women often share feelings of fear, anxiety, grief, or even guilt. Treatments may affect fertility, intimacy, and body image, which can be overwhelming.
But no one should carry this weight alone. Support groups, counseling, and open conversations with loved ones can make a powerful difference. Healing is not just about beating cancer—it’s about nurturing mental and emotional health too.
Also read: PTSD in Women: Symptoms, Impacts, and How to Heal
Final Thought
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a reminder that caring for our bodies means listening to them. Pay attention to symptoms, advocate for screenings, and support one another through the physical and emotional journey.Because every woman deserves not just survival, but wholeness.
Read next: How to Prevent Breast Cancer: A 6-Step Guide
