The more common types are cancer of the uterus , cervix and ovary . Cancer of the Fallopian tube, vagina and vulva occur much less often. Each specific type of cancer has its own warning signs and risk factors, yet every woman is at risk. A woman's odds of developing one of these cancers is 1 in 20. Ovarian cancer is considered the most serious of the gynecologic cancers, by virtue of the high mortality rate.
Risk increases with age and family history of ovarian cancer.
On the flip side, a woman's risk is lowered by things that break the cycle of ovulation such as pregnancy or using birth control pills. The warning signs for ovarian cancer include pressure or pain in the pelvis, a change in bowel or bladder habits that persists over time or worsens, frequent indigestion or abdominal bloating. These signs can be subtle and, hence, overlooked. One woman told me that she thought she was just gaining weight and that was why her pants didn't fit. The risk of uterine cancer also goes up with age, especially after menopause.