Cervical cancer develops from abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix that spread deeper or to other tissues or organs. This type of cancer occurs most often in women older than 40.

Cancer of the endometrium is a disease in which cancerous cells are found in the lining of the uterus. It is highly curable when found early.

Ovarian cancer can develop in one of three types—the first, on the surface of the ovary; the second, in the cells that form the eggs; the third, in the cells that produce female hormones.

A woman with this syndrome may develop breast cancer before age 50 and is at higher risk for developing cancer in both breasts or in both the breasts and ovaries.

People with this syndrome have dark moles around the mouth, nose, and eyes, as well as multiple polyps in the intestines.

A woman with this type of hereditary colon cancer is at increased risk for ovarian cancer.

The risk for ovarian cancer and skin cancer is increased with basal cell nevus syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.

Cancer of the uterus usually occurs around the time menopause begins. The occasional reappearance of bleeding should not be considered simply part of menopause, but should be checked by a doctor.

Cancer of the vagina is rare. Certain factors thought to raise the risk for this type of cancer include advancing age, history of cervical cancer, and infection with the human papillomavirus.

Nearly 90 percent of vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Melanoma is the second most common type of vulvar cancer.