know the five world go day campaign 2026

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Gynaecological cancers are cancers that develop in the female reproductive system. The five main types are uterine, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancer. Around 7,000 Australians are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer each year. 

Getting to 'know the five', understanding the symptoms and recognising when something has changed within you body can help you know when to seek medical advice. 

Uterine cancer involves either the lining or muscle of the uterus. The most common type is endometrial cancer, which develops in the internal lining of the uterus.

Endometrial cancer is the most commonly diagnosed gynaecological cancer in Australia.

Symptoms can include:

• Bleeding or spotting after menopause
• Bleeding between periods or a change in your usual bleeding
• Unusual or watery vaginal discharge
• Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort

Any abnormal bleeding should be discussed with a health professional. This includes both pre and post-menopausal bleeding. Any bleeding particularly after menopause always needs investigation as it is one of the most common symptoms of endometrial cancer.

Learn more about Uterine Cancer here

Ovarian cancer can arise from the fallopian tubes, ovaries and occasionally the peritoneum (Internal lining of the abdomen and pelvis). Its symptoms can sometimes be vague and may be mistaken for other, more common conditions.

Symptoms can include:

• Persistent abdominal bloating or swelling
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Feeling full quickly or difficulty eating
• Changes in bowel habits
• Needing to urinate more frequently or urgently

The most important thing is to recognise symptoms that are new, persistent or unusual for you.

Learn more about Ovarian Cancer here.

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

95% of all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Symptoms can include:

• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding after menopause
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex

What about cervical screening?

Cervical screening is an important tool for preventing cervical cancer. In Australia, eligible people aged 25 to 74 are recommended to have a Cervical Screening Test every five years. It is important to be aware that a Cervical Screening Test screens for HPV and helps prevent cervical cancer but it does NOT screen for ovarian, uterine, vulval or vaginal cancer.

Another important prevention strategy is vaccination, which if performed early and combined with effective screening will prevent almost all cases of cervix cancer.

Learn more about Cervical Cancer here.

Vulval cancer develops on the vulva, the external part of the female genital area.

Changes to the skin of the vulva shouldn't be ignored, particularly if they persist.

Symptoms can include:

• Persistent itching, burning or soreness
• A lump on the vulva
• A sore or ulcer that doesn't heal
• Changes in the colour or appearance of the skin
• Wart-like growths
• Unexplained bleeding
• Pain or tenderness

Persistent vulval itching isn't always thrush. If something has changed or isn't resolving, speak to your doctor.

Learn more about Vulval Cancer here.

Vaginal cancer begins in the vagina, the muscular passage connecting the cervix to the vulva. Primary vaginal cancer is rare.

Symptoms can include:

• Unusual or blood-stained vaginal discharge
• Bleeding after sex
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• A lump in the vagina
• Changes when urinating
• Rectal pain

Vaginal cancer is rare but can occur, and will most commonly occur in people who have had a hysterectomy but still have undetected HPV causing changes to the vaginal surface.

Learn more about Vaginal Cancer here.