Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that connects to the vagina.
Simple explanation:
- It happens when cells in the cervix grow abnormally and uncontrollably, forming cancer.
- It usually develops slowly over time, often starting with early changes in the cells.
Common signs to look out for:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding (e.g. after sex, between periods, or after menopause)
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pain during sex
- Pelvic pain
Is it treatable?
Yes:
- Radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
- Surgery
Click on the links below for more information (Macmillan Site)
Understanding Cervical cancer - This booklet is about cancer of the cervix (cervical cancer). It is for anyone who has been diagnosed with cervical cancer. There is also information for carers, family members and friends - Macmilllan booklet.
Understanding Cervical cancer - This audiobook is about cancer of the cervix (cervical cancer). The audiobook explains the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer, and how it is diagnosed and treated. It also has information about emotional, practical and financial issues - Macmillan audiobook
Cervical Cancer - Cervical cancer develops very slowly from abnormal cell changes in the cervix. These changes do not cause any symptoms, but they may be found with cervical screening tests. If the tests show abnormal cell changes, treatment can prevent cancer developing - Macmillan information.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, which are two small organs in the pelvis that store eggs and produce hormones.
Simple explanation:
- It happens when cells in the ovaries grow out of control, forming a tumour.
- It can sometimes spread to other parts of the body if not found early.
Common signs to look out for:
Ovarian cancer can be hard to spot early, but symptoms often include:
- Persistent bloating
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Pelvic or lower tummy pain
- Needing to wee more often
- Changes in bowel habits (like constipation)
These symptoms are usually new, frequent, and don’t go away.
Is it treatable?
Yes — treatment depends on how early it’s found:
- Chemotherapy and Surgery to remove the cancer are both treatments and decisons are made on your treatment depending on the grade and stage from diagnosis.
Click on the links below for more information (Macmillan Site)
Understanding cancer of the Ovary, Fallopian Tube and Peritoneum - This booklet is about cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube or peritoneum. It is for anyone who has been diagnosed with these cancers. There is also information for carers, family members and friends - Macmillan booklet.
Understanding cancer of the Ovary, Fallopian tube and Peritoneum - This audiobook is about cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube or peritoneum. It is for anyone who has been diagnosed with one of these cancers. There is also information for carers, family members and friends - Macmillan Audiobook.
Ovarian Cancer - The ovaries are 2 small, oval-shaped organs in the pelvis (lower area between the hips). They are on either side of the womb (uterus), close to the fallopian tubes. These link the ovaries to the womb. A layer of tissue called the peritoneum supports the ovaries - Macmillan information.
Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the vagina, which is the canal that connects the cervix (womb opening) to the outside of the body.
Simple explanation:
- It happens when cells in the lining of the vagina grow abnormally and out of control, forming a tumour.
- It is rare and more common in older women, though it can occur at any age.
Common signs to look out for:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding (especially after menopause or after sex)
- Watery or unusual discharge
- A lump or mass in the vagina
- Pain during sex
- Pelvic pain
Is it treatable?
Yes — especially if caught early. Treatment may include:
- Radiotherapy
- Surgery
- Sometimes chemotherapy
Click on the links below for more information (Macmillan Site)
Vaginal Cancer - Cancers that start in the vagina (primary vaginal cancer) are rare. Around 250 women are diagnosed with vaginal cancer in the UK each year - Macmillan information.
Vaginal cancer staging and grading - The stage of the vaginal cancer describes its size and whether it has spread. The grade describes how quickly it may develop - Macmillan information.
Vulval Cancer
Vulval cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the vulva, which is the outer part of the female genital area (including the labia, clitoris, and the skin around the vaginal opening).
Simple explanation:
- It happens when cells in the vulva grow abnormally and out of control, forming a lump or sore.
- It is not very common and usually affects older women, though it can happen at any age.
Common signs to look out for:
- Persistent itching in the vulva
- Pain or soreness
- A lump, thickened skin, or ulcer (sore)
- Changes in skin colour (red, white, or darker patches)
- Bleeding not related to periods
Is it treatable?
Yes — especially if found early. Treatment often involves:
- Surgery to remove the cancer
- Sometimes radiotherapy or chemotherapy
Click on the links below for more information (Macmillan Site)
Understanding cancer of the Vulva - This booklet is about cancer of the vulva (vulval cancer). It is for anyone who has been diagnosed with vulval cancer. There is also information for carers, family members and friends - Macmillan booklet.
Vulval Cancer - The vulva is the name given to the visible sex organs that surround the opening of the vagina outside the body - Macmillan booklet.
Vulval biopsy - A vulval biopsy is a small sample of body tissue. During a vulval examination, the doctor collects samples from the affected area of the vulva. They send these to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope - Macmillan information.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for vulval cancer - This test checks lymph nodes near the vulva for signs of cancer. It can find small amounts of cancer that cannot be felt as swelling or seen on a scan - Macmillan information.
Vulval examination - A vulva examination is when a specialist examines your vulva. It is used to help diagnose vulval cancer - Macmillan information.
Womb (Endometrial) Cancer
Womb cancer (also called uterine or endometrial cancer) is a type of cancer that starts in the womb (uterus), which is where a baby grows during pregnancy.
Simple explanation:
- It happens when cells in the lining of the womb grow out of control, forming cancer.
- Most womb cancers start in the endometrium (the inner lining of the womb).
Common signs to look out for:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (the most common symptom), such as:
- Bleeding after menopause
- Bleeding between periods
- Heavier or longer periods than usual
- Watery or blood-stained discharge
- Pelvic pain (less common, usually later)
Is it treatable?
Yes — and it is often found early because of the bleeding symptom. Treatment usually includes:
- Surgery to remove the womb (hysterectomy)
- Sometimes radiotherapy or chemotherapy
Click on the links below for more information (Macmillan Site)
Macmillan Understanding Womb (Endometrial) Cancer - This booklet is about a type of womb cancer called endometrial cancer. It is for anyone who has been diagnosed with this type of cancer. There is also information for carers, family members and friends - Macmillan booklet.
Understanding Womb (Endometrial) Cancer - This audiobook explains womb (endometrial) cancer, covering causes, symptoms, diagnosis, staging and grading, treatments and clinical trials. It also looks at emotional, practical and financial issues - Macmillan audiobook
Womb Cancer - The womb (uterus) is a pear-shaped organ where a baby is carried during pregnancy. It is low in the pelvis (the area between the hips) and is supported by the pelvic floor muscles - Macmillan information.
Below are links to the gynaecological cancer treatments which may be offered to you. Please note not all are suitable or required for everyone and your team will advise which are recommended for you, and in what order. Therefore, please click on the links that are relevant for you.
Chemotherapy at RHCH (Nick Jonas Ward) The unit is open between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. When attending for your treatment, one of the nursing team will be responsible for administering your treatment and looking after you during your stay on the unit.
Chemotherapy at BNHH (The Greenham Centre)
Womb (Endometrial) Cancer:
Hysterectomy - A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the womb. It can be used as a treatment for womb, cervical, ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer (PPC) - Macmillan information.
Surgery at UHS - We believe in delivering high quality care, being aware of every woman's individual needs and promoting their wellbeing, health and dignity.
Brachytherapy - A sealed radioactive material called a source is put inside your body, into or next to the cancer. Some types stay in the body for a very short time and some are permanent - Cancer Reaserch UK.
Ovarian Cancer:
Ovarian Cancer Treatment - The main treatments for ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and targeted therapies - Macmillan information.
Chemotherapy for Ovarian cancer - You may have chemotherapy on its own, or with surgery, to treat ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer or primary peritoneal cancer - Macmillan information.
Targeted therapies for ovarian cancer - Targeted therapies interfere with the way tumour cells grow and divide. Find out about the drugs used to treat ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer - Macmillan information.
Cervical Cancer:
Surgery at UHS - We believe in delivering high quality care, being aware of every woman's individual needs and promoting their wellbeing, health and dignity - UHS information.
Chemotherapy at UHS - Many people with cancer will have chemotherapy as part of their treatment. Chemotherapy can be an effective treatment for cancer, but it can also cause some side effects. Many of these can be treated or prevented and will pass once your treatment stops - UHS information.
Brachytherapy - A sealed radioactive material called a source is put inside your body, into or next to the cancer - Cancer Reaserch UK
Surgery for Cervical cancer - Surgery is the main treatment for stage 1 cervical cancer. It is also sometimes used to treat small stage 2A cancers - Macmillan information.
Chemotherapy for Cervical cancer - Chemotherapy may be your main treatment. Or it may be given to reduce the risk of cancer coming back after surgery - Macmillan information.
Targeted therapy for Cervical cancer - Bevacizumab is the main targeted drug used for cervical cancer. The treatment is usually given in combination with chemotherapy drugs - Macmillan information.
Radiotherapy for Cervical cancer - You may have internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy) or external radiotherapy to treat cervical cancer - Macmillan information.
Vulval Cancer:
Surgery for Vulval cancer diagnosis - You may have surgery to treat vulval cancer. The surgery you have will depend on the size and position of the cancer - Macmillan information.
Radiotherapy for Vulval cancer diagnosis - Radiotherapy for vulval cancer aims to treat the cancer using high-energy rays - Macmillan information.
Vaginal Cancer:
Surgery for Vaginal cancer - Surgery for vaginal cancer is usually only used for small stage 1 cancers and for cancers that were not cured by radiotherapy - Macmillan information.
Radiotherapy for Vaginal cancer - Radiotherapy uses high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. You may have radiotherapy as a treatment for vaginal cancer - Macmillan information.
