At Ackerman Cancer Center, comprehensive care is provided for women facing gynecologic cancers. This includes personalized treatments, nutritional guidance, financial counseling, and support programs from screening through survivorship. Board-certified radiation oncologists offer advanced, compassionate care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, emphasizing education, prevention, and early detection. It encourages women to advocate for their health, promotes open conversations about symptoms and risks, and supports research to reduce these cancers’ impact.
Main types of gynecologic cancers
Gynecologic cancers begin in the female reproductive system, including:
- Cervical cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Vulvar cancer
Each type has distinct risk factors, symptoms, and treatments.
How common are these cancers?
According to the American Cancer Society’s 2025 estimates:
- About 13,360 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed with approximately 4,320 deaths.
- Ovarian cancer is expected to have over 20,800 new cases and nearly 12,730 deaths.
- Uterine cancer is the most common, with nearly 66,000 new cases expected.
- Vaginal and vulvar cancers are less common but important to recognize.
While cervical cancer rates have declined since the 1970s thanks to screening, rates in women aged 30 to 44 have risen slightly. Uterine cancer rates are increasing, linked in part to obesity.
Symptoms to watch for
Any persistent or unusual symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider; however, common signs include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Bloating or swelling
- Changes in bathroom habits
- Unusual lumps or sores
Who is at higher risk?
Anyone woman can develop gynecologic cancer; however, higher risk factors include:
- Women Age 50+
- Family history or inherited mutations such as BRCA
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Obesity
- Smoking
Detection and prevention
- Cervical cancer is usually detected early with Pap smears and HPV tests beginning at age 25.
- The HPV vaccine lowers the risk of cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
- Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, and controlling infections reduce risk.
Benefits of proton therapy cancer treatment
Proton therapy delivers precise radiation targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Benefits include:
- Reduced side effects
- Better treatment tolerance
- More target treatment to spare healthy tissue
- Effective treatment for recurrent or complex cases
At Ackerman Cancer Center, proton therapy is part of personalized treatment plans.
Why awareness matters
- Cancer rates in women under 50 now exceed those in men.
- The overall cancer death rate has dropped by 34% since 1991, preventing about 4.5 million deaths.
- Continued education and early detection are essential to improve outcomes.
Take charge of your health
Recognizing symptoms, understanding risks, and knowing prevention steps help protect health. Early discussions with healthcare providers can lead to better results. Ackerman Cancer Center supports women at every stage with expert care and resources.
Call today to discuss your options (904) 880-5522 or visit www.ackermancancercenter.com