Gynaecological Cancer

Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.

What is Gynaecological Cancer?

Gynaecological cancer refers to cancers that develop in a woman’s reproductive system. The main types are cervical, endometrial (uterine), ovarian, vulvar and vaginal cancers. Each type behaves differently, but all require early detection and personalised treatment for the best outcomes.

How common are gynaecological cancers in the Philippines?

Gynaecological cancers include cancers of the cervix, ovaries, and uterus (endometrium/corpus uteri). In the Philippines, these cancers account for a meaningful share of the cancer burden among women. 

According to the IARC Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022): 

  • Cervical cancer is the 3rd most common cancer among women in the Philippines, with an estimated 8,549 new cases in 2022 (about 8.1% of new cancer cases in women).
  • Ovarian cancer is the 5th most common cancer among women, with an estimated 6,453 new cases in 2022 (about 6.1% of new cancer cases in women). 
  • Cancer of the uterus (corpus uteri/endometrial cancer) is also among the leading cancers affecting women, with an estimated 5,356 new cases in 2022.  

These figures highlight the importance of prevention and early detection, including HPV vaccination and cervical screening, which are key strategies in the global effort to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Gynaecological Cancer?

Symptoms vary depending on the cancer type, but warning signs may include:

Any abnormal bleeding after menopause should be checked promptly, as this can be an early sign of endometrial cancer.

Screening for Gynaecological Cancer

Philippines has adopted primary HPV DNA testing as the national screening method for cervical cancer, replacing Pap smears. Women aged 30 to 65 years are advised to undergo HPV testing at recommended intervals. Self-sampling kits are also being introduced to make testing more accessible, especially in rural areas.

HPV vaccination is offered to all 13-year-old girls under the national immunisation programme, providing strong protection against cervical cancer.

For ovarian, endometrial, vulvar and vaginal cancers, there are currently no population-wide screening tests. Women should seek medical advice quickly if they notice abnormal symptoms, especially post-menopausal bleeding or persistent bloating.

How is Gynaecological Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosis may include:

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Gynaecological Cancer?

The main causes and risk factors include:

  • Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) for cervical cancer
  • Age and family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
  • Genetic mutations such as BRCA or Lynch syndrome
  • Obesity and unopposed oestrogen exposure (for endometrial cancer)
  • Reproductive or hormonal factors (early menstruation, late menopause, no pregnancies)
  • Smoking, weakened immunity, or chronic inflammation

What Are the Types of Gynaecological Cancer?

The main types are:

What Are the Stages of Gynaecological Cancer?

Staging describes how far the cancer has spread:
Stage I

Cancer limited to the organ of origin

Spread to nearby tissues

Spread to regional lymph nodes or pelvic structures

Distant spread to other organs such as liver, lung or bone

What Are Gynaecological Cancer Treatments?

Treatment depends on the cancer type and stage. Options may include:

Supportive care such as nutrition counselling, fertility preservation, pain management, and psycho-oncology is integrated into treatment to improve quality of life.

Surgery

Including minimally invasive or fertility-preserving procedures

Radiotherapy or chemoradiation

Commonly used for cervical cancer

Chemotherapy​

Anti-cancer drugs that destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Targeted therapy and PARP inhibitors

For selected ovarian cancers

Immunotherapy

Available for some cervical cancers

Hormonal Therapy

Often used for endometrial cancers

How common are gynaecological cancers in the Philippines?

Gynaecological cancers include cancers of the cervix, ovaries, and uterus (endometrium/corpus uteri). In the Philippines, these cancers account for a meaningful share of the cancer burden among women. 

According to the IARC Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022): 

  • Cervical cancer is the 3rd most common cancer among women in the Philippines, with an estimated 8,549 new cases in 2022 (about 8.1% of new cancer cases in women).
  • Ovarian cancer is the 5th most common cancer among women, with an estimated 6,453 new cases in 2022 (about 6.1% of new cancer cases in women).
  • Cancer of the uterus (corpus uteri/endometrial cancer) is also among the leading cancers affecting women, with an estimated 5,356 new cases in 2022.  

These figures highlight the importance of prevention and early detection, including HPV vaccination and cervical screening, which are key strategies in the global effort to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. 

Meet Our Doctors

At OncoCare Philippines, your care is supported by a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, gynaecologic surgeons, radiation specialists, radiologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, counsellors and allied health experts. Working together, they provide personalised treatment and holistic support for every patient.

Dr. Angelo Miguel M. Realina
Palliative Care Specialist | Interventional Pain Management Specialist
Dr. Arthur Jason S. Go
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Beverly Ann P. Pineda
Medical Oncologist 
Dr. Carlo Ruperto P. Aguilar
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Carlos Joseph T. Panaligan Jr.
Consultant Anesthesiologist
Dr. Claudine Yvette S. Gulapa
Anesthesiologist
Dr. Gonzalo C. Banuelos, Jr.
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Jason King D. Talao
Medical Oncologist 
Dr. Jerickson Abbie S. Flores
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Joel R. Tayo
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Jose Enrique Y. Montoya
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Karl Jeremy B. Lo
Radiation Oncologist
Dra. Kristine Anne B. Monte
Internal Medicine Specialist
Dr. Marwin M. Manalo
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Misael C. Cruz
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Noel S. Chua
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Paulo S. Tioleco
Medical Oncologist
Dra. Rosalina P. Tongol
Internal Medicine