Tips to reduce the risk of gynaecological cancers

Gynaecological cancers are cancers that form in the female reproductive system. They begin in your body when cells grow abnormally. There are 5 main types of gynaecological cancers:

• cervical
• ovarian
• uterine (endometrial)
• vulval
• vaginal

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1. Don’t ignore symptoms

It’s important to find gynaecological cancers early when treatment can be the most effective. Symptoms of gynaecological cancer(external link) depend on where the cancer is but can include things like:

• unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge between periods, after sex or after menopause
• pain in your tummy (abdomen)
• pain during sex
• itchy skin around the opening to your vagina
• difficulty peeing
• changes in bowel habits.

Having these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer, but it’s important to get checked by your GP as it could be a warning sign of a gynaecological cancer or other health problems.

2. Get vaccinated and use a condom

The HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus that causes several different cancers in women, including cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina and anus. It also protects against cancers of the anus and penis in men (and possibly throat cancers in both men and women). Having safe sex by using condoms also reduces your risk of exposure to HPV.

3. Have a regular cervical screening test

Cervical screening is now done with a human papilloma virus (HPV) primary screening test. A vaginal swab is done (by a healthcare provider or as a self-swab under supervision) and sent off to a lab to be tested for the presence of HPV. For most women and people with a cervix this test should be done every 5 years. It may be needed more often for some people. Read more about cervical screening.

4. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly

Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly has many physical benefits and reduces your risk of developing some cancers. Endometrial cancer is strongly linked to obesity so maintaining a healthy weight is important.

5. Quit smoking

Smoking harms your body in many ways and increases the risk of developing many types of cancers. Getting support to quit reduces your risk of developing not only cancer, but other health conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

6. Know your family history

Inherited mutations of the BRCA gene increases the risk of female ovarian and breast cancers (and to a lesser degree, other cancers in men and women). A family history of cancer can indicate an increased risk factor and you may be eligible for gene testing. If you carry these gene mutations there are options available to increase screening and, in some cases, have your breasts and ovaries removed as a safeguard.