Gynaecological cancer incorporates ICD-10 cancer codes C51 (Malignant neoplasm of vulva), C52 (Malignant neoplasm of vagina), C53 (Malignant neoplasm of cervix), C54 (Malignant neoplasm of corpus uteri), C55 (Malignant neoplasm of uterus, part unspecified), C56 (Malignant neoplasm of ovary), C57 (Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified female genital organs) and C58 (Malignant neoplasm of placenta).

New cases

In 2015, gynaecological cancer as a group represents 9.5% of cancers diagnosed in women and the most common gynaecological cancer was uterine cancer (see details on the uterine cancer page). 

In 2015, there were 5,661 new cases of gynaecological cancer diagnosed in Australia. In 2020, it is estimated that 6,652 new cases of gynaecological cancer will be diagnosed in Australia. In 2020, it is estimated that the risk of a female being diagnosed with gynaecological cancer by her 85th birthday will be 1 in 20. 

Figure 1. Estimated most common cancers diagnosed among females, 2020

Notes 

• Data sourced from AIHW 2019 Cancer Data in Australia, ACIM books, and Cancer in Australia 2020 report and supplementary data tables 
• More information about incidence rates for the most common cancers diagnosed can be found on the NCCI website in the ‘Cancer incidence’ section (https://ncci.canceraustralia.gov.au/diagnosis/cancer-incidence/cancer-incidence) 

In 2015, the age-standardised incidence rate was 41 new cases per 100,000 females. In 2019, it is estimated that the age-standardised incidence rate will be 43 cases per 100,000 females. The incidence rate for gynaecological cancer is expected to increase with age, peaking at age group 70–74. 

Figure 2. Age-standardised incidence rates for gynaecological cancer, 1982 to 2015 

Note: Data sourced from AIHW 2019 Cancer Data in Australia, ACIM books, and Cancer in Australia 2019 report and supplementary data tables 

The number of new cases of gynaecological cancer diagnosed increased from 2,951 in 1982 to 5,661 in 2015. Over the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate decreased from 44 cases per 100,000 females in 1982 to 41 cases per 100,000 females in 2015. 

Deaths 

In 2016, gynaecological cancer as a group represents 9.5% of cancer related deaths in women and ovarian cancer was the most common cause of gynaecological cancer-related death. 

In 2016, there were 1,884 deaths from gynaecological cancer in Australia. In 2020, it is estimated that there will be 2,096 deaths. In 2020, it is estimated that the risk of a female dying from gynaecological cancer by her 85th birthday will be 1 in 59. 

Figure 3. Estimated most common causes of cancer death among females, 2020

Notes 

• Data sourced from AIHW 2019 Cancer Data in Australia, ACIM books, and Cancer in Australia 2019 report and supplementary data tables 
• More information about mortality rates for the most common causes of cancer death can be found on the NCCI website in the ‘Cancer mortality’ section (https://ncci.canceraustralia.gov.au/outcomes/cancer-mortality/cancer-mortality) 

In 2016, the age-standardised mortality rate for gynaecological cancer was 13 deaths per 100,000 females. In 2020, it is estimated that the age-standardised mortality rate will remain at 13 deaths per 100,000 females. The mortality rate for gynaecological cancer is expected to increase with age. 

Figure 4. Age-standardised mortality rates for gynaecological cancer, 1968 to 2016 

Note: Data sourced from AIHW 2019 Cancer Data in Australia, ACIM books, and Cancer in Australia 2019 report and supplementary data tables 

The number of deaths from gynaecological cancer increased from 1,120 in 1968 to 1,884 in 2016. Over the same period, the age-standardised mortality rate decreased from 23 deaths per 100,000 females in 1968 to 13 deaths per 100,000 females in 2016. 

Survival 

In 2011–2015, females diagnosed with gynaecological cancer had a 70% chance of surviving for at least five years compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population. Between 1986–1990 and 2011–2015, the five-year relative survival from gynaecological cancer increased from 62% to 70%. 

Figure 5. 5-year relative survival from gynaecological cancer, 1986–1990 to 2011–2015 

Notes: Data sourced from AIHW 2019 Cancer Data in Australia, ACIM books, and Cancer in Australia 2019 report and supplementary data tables 

Prevalence 

At the end of 2014, there were 4,994 females living who had been diagnosed with gynaecological cancer that year, 19,871 females living who had been diagnosed with gynaecological cancer in the previous 5 years (from 2010 to 2014) and 61,208 females living who had been diagnosed with gynaecological cancer in the previous 33 years (from 1982 to 2014). 

For more information on cancer data, see the NCCI website  

The National Cancer Control Indicators (NCCI) are a set of indicators across the continuum of cancer care, from Prevention and Screening through to Diagnosis, Treatment, Psychosocial care, Research and Outcomes.  The NCCI website allows users to see visual representations of data on each indicator through interactive charts.