Gynaecological Cancers
Gynaecological cancers are cancers of the female reproductive system and include cancers of the ovary, cervix, uterus, vulva, vagina and placenta.
Over the last 20 years, the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer in Australian women has decreased by more than 50%. Mortality rates associated with ovarian and uterine cancers has also decreased.
In 2005 gynaecological cancers were responsible for 1558 female deaths in Australia, accounting for 9.2% of all female cancer deaths. Collectively they are the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in females.
The most common cause of death from a gynaecological cancer were cancers of the:
Ovary: 884 deaths (5.2% of all female cancer deaths)
Uterus, body: 232 deaths (1.4% of all female cancer deaths)
Cervix: 216 deaths (1.3% of all female cancer deaths).