Scope and Epidemiology of Gynecologic Cancers: An Overview

Abstract

Objective: To provide a current overview of the scope and epidemiology of gynecologic cancers.

Data sources: A review of articles dated 2005-2018 from PubMed, as well as data from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Cervical Cancer Coalition, and the American Cancer Society.

Conclusion: Gynecologic cancers include any cancer that originates in a woman's reproductive system; cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulvar, and fallopian tube (which is very rare), each named for the body part in which the cancer commences. The overall incidence of these cancers has decreased with time, except for vulvar and endometrial cancers, but racial disparities still exist.

Implications for nursing practice: Nurses play a significant role in educating patients on the importance of preventative measures and modifiable lifestyles and behaviors. Likewise, nurses are in a unique position to help coordinate patients' care, thereby improving patient satisfaction. Nurses can participate and contribute to gynecologic research and influence political change to benefit those affected by gynecologic cancers.

Keywords: cervical cancer; financial burden; gynecologic cancer; ovarian cancer; uterine cancer; vaginal cancer; vulvar cancer.