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Gynaecological cancers: signs to know

Revisado: 4 de octubre de 2026

Solo en inglés por ahora

Knowing the signs of gynaecological cancers helps you act early. These symptoms often have other causes, but any that last or are not normal for you should be checked.

What these cancers are

Gynaecological cancers start in the reproductive organs. The main types are cervical, ovarian, womb (uterine), vaginal and vulval cancers. Each type has its own signs, and symptoms are not the same for everyone. Many of these symptoms are common and can be caused by other conditions, and the only way to know the cause is to see a doctor. Cervical screening helps find changes in the cervix early, but it does not check for the other types, so knowing the signs matters. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical, vaginal and vulval cancers.

Unusual bleeding or discharge

Unusual bleeding or discharge from the vagina can be a sign of all of these cancers except vulval cancer. This includes bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause, and periods that are heavier than usual for you. These kinds of bleeding should always be checked by a doctor. Discharge that is unusual for you is also worth getting checked.

Tummy, pelvis and bladder changes

Some signs are easy to mistake for everyday problems. Ovarian cancer can cause a swollen tummy or bloating, feeling full quickly or not wanting to eat, and pain in the tummy, pelvis or back. Pelvic pain or pressure can also be a sign of womb cancer. Needing to pee more often or more urgently, and constipation, can happen with ovarian and vaginal cancers. Ovarian cancer can also cause indigestion, diarrhoea, feeling tired all the time and losing weight without trying.

Changes to the vulva

Vulval cancer has its own signs. These include itching, burning, pain or tenderness of the vulva, and changes in the colour or skin of the vulva, such as a rash, sores or warts. These changes can have other causes too, but changes that last should be looked at by a doctor or nurse.

When to see a doctor

Pay attention to your body and know what is normal for you. See a doctor straight away about any vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, including any bleeding after menopause. For the other signs, see a doctor if one lasts 2 weeks or longer and is not normal for you. If you have seen a doctor before and your symptoms have not gone away, are worse or happen more often, go back. If a doctor thinks you need more tests, you may be referred urgently to a specialist. Noting when symptoms happen in Ciclo can help you describe them clearly.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. See a doctor straight away about unusual bleeding, and about other symptoms that last 2 weeks or more.