• Is known as the ‘silent killer’ as it is difficult to detect and treat
• Causes over 6,000 deaths each year in the UK
• 75% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer die from the disease
• Is becoming increasingly common in the UK

The symptoms of ovarian cancer may be vague and not specific, and can therefore be trivialised. The commonest symptoms resemble bowel problems such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or indigestion, abdominal swelling or a change in bladder symptoms. More obvious gynaecological symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or pain on intercourse may sometimes occur. These symptoms are common to many other conditions but the development of new abdominal symptoms in a middle-aged lady is always a concern.

• 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK
• Less than 1,000 deaths each year
• Is becoming increasingly common in the UK

This cancer is most common among post-menopausal women although 20% of cases present in women of childbearing age. Endometrial cancer typically presents with abnormal vaginal bleeding and is more common among women taking HRT, and those with maturity-onset diabetes. It may be associated with polycystic ovaries in young women. Hysterectomy is the mainstay of treatment, but minimal access techniques are increasingly being used to reduce the morbidity of this.

• Causes the death of 1200 women each year in the UK
• Is the most common cancer in women under the age of 35

This cancer is particularly common in young women but fortunately it is becoming increasingly rare thanks to the success of the UK screening programme. New minimal access surgical techniques for early stage cancer reduce scarring and side-effects and may, in certain circumstances, preserve a woman’s fertility.

• A very distressing cancer affecting the skin of the external genitalia

These cancers usually present with an itchy or painful skin lesion, wart-like growth or ulcer on the genital skin. They may cause bleeding or a blood-stained discharge and pain in the area of the vulva. Current treatment involves surgical removal of lymph nodes in the groin to ensure the malignancy has not spread. This causes significant morbidity as up to 50% of wounds may break down and delay healing. New equipment will minimise the risk of these complications.