Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month: Five Cancers, One Month of Understanding

What this observance is

Every September, Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to the five main gynecologic cancers: cervical, ovarian, uterine (endometrial), vaginal, and vulvar. The Foundation for Women's Cancer, the official foundation of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, established the observance in 1999 to raise national awareness of all five. The idea is to help people recognize these cancers by name, understand which have screening options, and know which symptoms are worth discussing.

What these cancers are

According to the National Cancer Institute, gynecologic cancers each begin in a different part of the female reproductive system. NCI describes cervical cancer as cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, and notes that long-lasting HPV infection causes almost all cervical cancers. Uterine cancer most often means endometrial cancer, which NCI says can often be cured, and less commonly uterine sarcoma. Ovarian cancer — grouped by NCI with fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers because they form in similar tissue — is often advanced by the time it is found. Vaginal and vulvar cancers are less common.

Because these cancers behave differently, there is no single test, symptom, or approach that covers them all — which is exactly why a dedicated awareness month is useful.

Screening and prevention (per NCI)

The screening picture differs by cancer. NCI is clear that cervical cancer has well-established screening: it says that if you have a cervix, screening for cervical cancer is an important part of routine health care, and NCI provides guidance on when to get screened. You can learn more on our cervical cancer screening page. Because HPV drives nearly all cervical cancer, NCI supports HPV vaccination as prevention — see our HPV vaccine overview.

For ovarian and uterine cancers, the picture is different, and NCI does not describe routine general-population screening the way it does for cervical cancer. That makes knowing your body and reporting persistent changes important. Our free screening check-up tool can help you sort out which screenings apply to you before you talk with your clinician.

How to take part

• If you have a cervix and are due for screening, use September as a reminder to check with your healthcare team.
• Learn whether the HPV vaccine is relevant for you or your children.
• Pay attention to persistent symptoms such as unusual bleeding, bloating, or pelvic discomfort, and mention them to a clinician.
• Share accurate information about all five gynecologic cancers, not just the ones people already know.

Questions to ask a healthcare team

• Am I up to date on cervical cancer screening, and what test is right for me?
• Is the HPV vaccine appropriate for me or my family?
• What symptoms related to gynecologic cancers should prompt me to reach out?
• Does my family history affect my risk for any of these cancers?