Gynecological cancer
Overview
What is gynecological cancer
Gynecologic cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the reproductive organs. There are several types of gynecologic cancers including cancers of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina and vulva. Collectively, they are referred to as gynecologic cancers, however, each is unique with its own set of signs and symptoms.
How common is gynecological cancer
Every 5 minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with gynecological cancer. It is estimated that 107,000 women will get gynecological cancer this year. Of the different tumor types in this category, ovarian cancer is considered the 10th most common cancer in women in the US. It is estimated that about 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the US. However, ovarian cancer only accounts for about 3% of all cancers in women.1
Questions regarding your gynecological cancer therapy
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1. (https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/)
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of gynecological cancer
- Spotting between periods
- Longer or heavier menstrual cycles
- Unusual bleeding or pain during/after intercourse
- Increased urination, constipation or diarrhea
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Abdominal bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Itching or burning of the vulva
Risk can be reduced by HPV Vaccination to protect against the HPV Virus which is a common cause of cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Also, routine PAP screening tests can provide early detection of cervical cancer; this allows for early treatment, when it is most effective.
Subtypes
What are the subtypes of gynecological cancer
- Cervical Cancer begins in the woman’s cervix when the healthy cells change and grow out of control forming a tumor
- Ovarian Cancer cancer that begins in the ovary, fallopian tubes and peritoneum when cells change and grow out of control forming a tumor
- Uterine/Endometrial Cancer the most common cancer in the woman’s reproductive system. Begins when the cells in the uterus change and grow out of control. There are 2 major types of uterine cancer: Adenocarcinoma and Sarcoma
- Vaginal Cancer uncommon cancer in the woman’s vagina when cells change and grow out of control. There are 4 major types of vaginal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, clear cell adenocarcinoma, and melanoma.
- Vulvar Cancer cancer that begins in the woman’s external genitals. Types of vulvar cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, melanoma, and sarcoma.
Medications
Gynecological cancer
Accredo, a specialty pharmacy for gynecological cancer, dispenses specialty and non-specialty gynecological cancer medications including (but not limited to):
| Drug | Generic/Biosimilar | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Avastin® (bevacizumab) | Genentech | |
| Hycamtin® (topotecan injection) | Generic(s) Available | Novartis |
| Lupron Depot® (leuprolide acetate for depot suspension) | Abbvie | |
| Lynparza® (olaparib) | AstraZeneca | |
| Zoladex® (goserelin acetate) | AstraZeneca |
Accredo also dispenses traditional chemotherapy medications as well as supportive care medications ordered by your prescriber that are not listed above.
Financing Your Care
Financial assistance coordination may be available to help with your medication costs, including manufacturer and community programs. Accredo representatives are available to help find a program that may work for you.
Community financial resources
Financial Guidance
Life-saving specialty medication can be expensive. Learn how the Accredo teams help individuals find ways to afford the medication they need to survive in this video.
Find Support
Gynecological Cancer Organizations
- Foundation for Women’s Cancer
- Betty Allen Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
- Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO)
Support Organizations
There are many organizations that support research and advocacy for cancer. See below for a few of those organizations.
- American Cancer Society
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Cancer Support Community
- Livestrong Foundation
- OncoLink
- National Foundation for Cancer Research
- Prevent Cancer Foundation
- Conquer Cancer Foundation
- Inspire.com
- CancerCare
- Cancer GRACE
- National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- Patient Advocate Foundation
Government Organizations
Meet the Team
Accredo’s oncology care team is dedicated to serving you and we understand the complexity of your condition. Our specialty-trained clinicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer any questions.
Why We Do It
Accredo supports patients with chronic and complex conditions and helps them live their best life. Watch our video to learn why we do what we do for our patients.