Beyond Breast Cancer: Your Essential Guide to the 3 Most Common Female Cancers Below the Belt

• Introduction
• Cervical Cancer
  • Causes and Risk Factors
  • Prevention
• Endometrial Cancer
  • Non-Modifiable Risk Factors (Risks We Cannot Control)
  • Modifiable Risk Factors (Risks We Can Control)
  • Protective Factors
• Ovarian Cancer
  • Non-Modifiable Risk Factors (Risks We Cannot Control)
  • Protective Factors
  • Screening
• Final Thoughts

Introduction

When it comes to women’s health, knowledge is power. Gynecologic cancers—those that start in the female reproductive system—can feel overwhelming and frightening. But understanding the risk factors, prevention strategies, and early detection methods can make all the difference.

In this article, we’ll cover the three most common gynecologic cancers: cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. We’ll explore what causes them, how to lower your risk, and what screening options are available.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers—and yet, worldwide, it remains one of the deadliest.

The good news: when detected early, cervical cancer is nearly 100% curable.

Causes and Risk Factors

• The majority of cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection.
• Most HPV infections resolve on their own, but persistent infection can lead to abnormal cervical cells (cervical dysplasia) that may develop into cancer.

Rare types of cervical cancers, called adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma, can also occur. These are not related to HPV. They are more aggressive and more challenging to diagnose than HPV related cervical cancers. This article deals with the more common squamous cell carcinomas, which are HPV related.

Prevention

Think of prevention as layers of protection:

1. Condom use – reduces transmission of HPV, and other sexually transmitted infection (STI).
2. HPV vaccination – safe, effective, and prevents most cases of cervical cancer.
3. Pap smears and HPV testing – detect abnormal cells early, before they turn cancerous.

Key takeaway: Cervical cancer is preventable with vaccination and screening.

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is a cancer of the lining of the uterus. Unlike cervical cancer, it is less about infection and more about hormone exposure and lifestyle factors.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors (Risks We Cannot Control)

• Age: risk increases with age.
• Early first period or late menopause: most girls start their period between ages 11 and 15, and most women stop menstruating by age 52. If you have your period earlier than age 11 and stop menstruating after age 52, you would have had a more prolonged lifetime estrogen exposure. This increases your risk of endometrial cancer.
• Chronic anovulation (like in PCOS): chronic anovulation means you will not get a regular period. Instead of ovulating monthly, you may ovulate sporadically. This does not allow a regular menstrual cycle. Thus, the uterine lining builds up without shedding.
• Genetics: including BRCA mutations.

Modifiable Risk Factors (Risks We Can Control)

• Unopposed estrogen therapy: If you have a uterus and are taking estrogen, you will also need to add progesterone to prevent an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
• Tamoxifen use: a medication used in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.
• Excess weight: being overweight or obese increases the risk of endometrial cancer. Fat cells (or adipose) store estrogen hormones, and so the more adipose tissue present, the more estrogen your body will be exposed to.

Protective Factors

• Hormonal contraception – the use of birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, and long-acting reversible contraceptives- can help reduce your risk.
• Intrauterine Devices (IUD): both copper and hormonal IUDs are associated with a reduced risk of endometrial cancer. The reason for this is not known with certainty.
• Childbearing and breastfeeding: having a baby and breastfeeding also help to reduce endometrial cancer risks by reducing your lifetime exposure to estrogen.
• Healthy diet and regular physical activity: eating healthy and staying physically active have multiple benefits, including a reduced risk of certain cancers, such as endometrial cancer.

Key takeaway: Maintaining a healthy weight, managing hormones, and making lifestyle choices can help reduce endometrial cancer risk.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is often called the “silent killer” because it’s harder to detect early. There’s no reliable screening test, and symptoms can be vague.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors (Risks We Cannot Control)

• Age: risk increases with age.
• Early periods or late menopause– just like with endometrial cancers, starting your period early or entering menopause later in life means your lifetime exposure to estrogen is greater than average. This increases your risk.
• Genetic mutations such as BRCA: we now know that certain genetic mutations can increase your cancer risk. Depending on your family history, your doctor may recommend testing for these.
• Endometriosis, pelvic radiation, asbestos exposure: endometriosis can lead to the formation of multiple ovarian cysts, called endometriomas. Most endometriomas are benign. However, should an ovarian cancer occur, an ultrasound may not immediately distinguish it from an endometrioma. This can cause a delay in diagnosis.
• Never having children: Having children increases progesterone levels and decreases estrogen levels. This gives your body a natural break from estrogen. Because ovarian and endometrial cancers can increase with estrogen, lowering your estrogen levels through pregnancy will naturally reduce your risk.
• Tobacco use: tobacco use has no medical benefit and increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, such as ovarian cancer.

Protective Factors

• Tubal ligation or fallopian tube removal: having a tubal ligation or, even more so, having your tubes removed will decrease the blood supply to the ovaries. This reduces ovarian activity and the risk of ovarian cancer.
• Hysterectomy: for the same reason as having your tubes removed, reducing the blood flow to your ovary will also reduce your risk of ovarian cancer. During a hysterectomy, as the pelvic blood vessels are cut as part of the surgery, the blood supply to the ovary is diminished.
• Oral contraceptives: birth control pills suppress your body’s natural ovulation response. This reduces the activity of the ovaries, making them less susceptible to changes that can lead to cancer.
• Childbearing and Breastfeeding-having a child and breastfeeding are both activities that suppress ovulation and reduce your body’s exposure to estrogen, therefore reducing your body’s risk of ovarian cancer.

Screening

Unlike cervical cancer, there’s no Pap smear for ovarian cancer. A pelvic exam and ultrasound may detect abnormalities if symptoms arise, but routine ultrasounds are not recommended for average-risk women.

Key takeaway: Know your risk factors and discuss prevention strategies with your doctor, especially if you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer.

Final Thoughts

• Cervical cancer is highly preventable with HPV vaccination, condom use, and Pap smears.
• Endometrial cancer risk rises with age and estrogen exposure, but healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce your risk.
• Ovarian cancer is the most challenging cancer, of the three, to diagnose and therefore catch early. Still, there are factors within our control that can reduce the risk.

Your health choices matter. From vaccinations to lifestyle changes to regular screenings, each step you take empowers you to reduce your cancer risk.

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Written by: Dayna Smith, MD | Reviewed: October 22, 2025 | Copyright: myObMD, 2025