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Gynaecological Cancer Research

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Can help fund one hour of life-saving research
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Can help fund microscopy to look for immune cells in tumours
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Can help provide lab supplies for up to ten vital experiments
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Can help provide cutting-edge software to analyse cells
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Donations support Cure Cancer's research grants program across all cancer types.
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Gynaecological Cancer at a Glance

Gynaecological cancers are cancers that start in the female reproductive system. This includes cancers of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus (womb) and ovaries, as well as rarer cancers of other female reproductive organs and, occasionally, the placenta.

In 2025, it is estimated that over 7,000 new cases of gynaecological cancers will be diagnosed in Australia. It is also estimated that a female has a 1 in 23 (or 4.3%) risk of being diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer by the age of 85. 
*Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Continued research is critical to improving outcomes - Cure Cancer supports the work of emerging researchers investigating new ways to detect, understand and treat all cancer types, including gynaecological cancer.

Our Gynaecological Cancer Research

Cure Cancer has funded more than 16 gynaecological cancer research projects so far, but more research is desperately needed. Supporting the brightest emerging researchers with innovative ideas gives us the best possible chance of finding a cure.
Professor Caroline Ford, Cure Cancer funded researcher
"I love the opportunity to directly support early career researchers and make sure that we're supporting as many different researchers in as many diverse projects and different tumour types with really radical and bold ideas."

- Prof Caroline Ford, Cure Cancer grant recipient and former Chair of Cure Cancer's Research Committee
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Some of our Gynaecological Cancer Researchers

Dr Asmerom Sengal

Dr Sengal is developing patient-derived "organoid" models - miniature lab-grown tumours - from metastatic endometrial cancer to test and screen drug treatments, aiming to identify more effective, personalised therapy options for patients with advanced disease who currently have few options.

Dr Tracy O'Mara

Dr O'Mara is combining genetic data from ovarian and endometrial cancer patients to identify shared genetic markers that predispose women to these diseases, with the goal of uncovering new drug targets - including opportunities to repurpose existing medications - for more effective gynaecological cancer treatments.

Dr Jessica Holien

Dr Holien, a team leader at RMIT University, is using computer-based drug design to map the protein "machinery" driving mucinous ovarian cancer growth, aiming to identify new, selective drug targets for a hard-to-treat cancer subtype where standard chemotherapy often fails.

Professor Caroline Ford

Professor Ford leads the Gynaecological Cancer Research Group (GCRG) at UNSW Sydney. One of Caroline’s major ovarian cancer projects aims to develop a reliable ovarian cancer screening blood test. By detecting traces of cancer DNA in a patient’s blood earlier, this test can help clinicians identify patients who can undergo curative surgery to remove the tumours.
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Why Research Funding Matters

Many of Australia's leading cancer researchers received funding from Cure Cancer at the earliest stages of their careers. Some have gone on to make discoveries recognised around the world.

Emerging researchers drive the breakthroughs that shape how cancer is understood and treated - but early-career funding is scarce and highly competitive. Every donation helps Cure Cancer back the next generation of researchers in Australia, across all cancer types.

How Your Donation Helps

$75

Can help fund an hour of research

$125

Can help fund microscopy imaging to look for immune cells in tumours

$550

Can help fund lab supplies for up to ten vital experiments

$1,000

Can help provide cutting-edge software to analyse cells

Learn More About Gynaecological Cancer

What is gynaecological cancer?

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Gynaecological cancer is an overarching term that encompasses seven types of cancers that develop from abnormal cells in the ovaries, uterus, endometrium, cervix, vagina, vulva, fallopian tubes, or placenta (a pregnancy-related cancer). In some cases, these cancers can metastasise to other areas of the reproductive system and genitalia, or other parts of the body. 

Gynaecological cancer can affect women, trans men, nonbinary, and intersex people. 

What are the risk factors for gynaecological cancer?

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In Australia, the risk of being diagnosed with gynaecological cancer by the age of 85 is approximately 1 in 23. 

Some risk factors associated with the risk of developing gynaecological cancer include: 

  • Family history of cancer 

  • Reproductive history 

  • Inherited mutated genes such as the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes

  • Medical conditions such as endometriosis or a HPV infection 

  • Exposure to high levels of hormones produced by the body or from medication 

  • Modifiable lifestyle factors such as tobacco smoking and excess body weight

What are the common symptoms of gynaecological cancer?

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The symptoms of gynaecological cancer will depend on the tumour’s location, size and how fast it is spreading. 

Some common symptoms of gynaecological cancer include: 

  • Feeling full too quickly, loss of appetite, bloating, back pain or abdominal pain, common for ovarian cancer 

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (e.g., after menopause, in between periods or after sex) and unusual discharge, which are common for all gynaecolgoical cancers except vulvar cancer   

  • Pelvic pain or pressure, as seen in ovarian, uterine and vaginal cancers

  • Changes in bladder or bowel habits, which is common for ovarian and vaginal cancers

  • Itching, burning or soreness of the vulva and changes in the appearance of the vulva such as lumps, sores or warts, which are only found in vulvar cancer

  • Painful sex 

  • Unexplained weight loss or gain

  • Unexplained fatigue 

It is important to note that each gynaecological cancer type will present with a different combination of symptoms and may be associated with different risk factors. Because a number of these symptoms can overlap with other medical conditions, it is important to see your GP, especially when you have one or more risk factors.

How is gynaecological cancer diagnosed? 

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Gynaecological cancer can be diagnosed using a number of tests, including: 

  • a pelvic examination 

  • a pap smear

  • blood tests

  • a biopsy 

  • imaging tests 

Cervical cancer, in particular, is strongly associated with HPV infection, which rarely has symptoms and is known to cause more than 95% cases of cervical cancer. This is why it is so important to participate in the National Cervical Screening Program (the only screening available for gynaecological cancers), which tests for HPV infection, if you have a cervix and are aged between 25-74.

What is the prognosis for gynaecological cancer?

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Currently, people diagnosed with gynaecological cancer have a 71% chance of surviving for at least five years compared to their counterparts in the Australian population.

Unfortunately, gynaecological cancer is among one of the least funded cancer types in Australian cancer research.

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