Gynaecological cancer

What is gynaecological cancer?

Gynaecological cancers are named according to the organ or part of the body where they first develop – that is, the ovary, uterus, cervix, vagina or vulva. In Australia, one in 23 women will develop a gynaecological cancer at sometime in her lifetime. Uterine/endometrial cancer is the most prevalent form, followed by ovarian, cervical, vulval & vaginal.

What causes gynaecological cancer?

According to Cancer Australia, while the causes of many gynaecological cancers are not fully understood, there are a number of factors associated with the risk of developing one or more types of gynaecological cancer. These risk factors include:

• increasing age
• having a strong family history
• history of breast cancer 
• identified gene mutations
• reproductive history such as child-bearing
• exposure to hormones produced by the body or medication
• exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in the womb
• viral infections such as human papilloma virus (HPV)
• lifestyle factors such as smoking and those leading to excess body weight.

What gynaecological cancer research is being done at UQCCR?

The mission of Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer Research (QCGC Research) is to research and develop the best standard of care for women experiencing gynaecological cancer. It does this by:

• focusing its research efforts on finding causes for gynaecological cancer;
• preventing gynaecological cancer; and
• identifying more effective treatment options.