According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, cancer and tumor can develop in any part of the body at any time. Men are more at a higher risk of developing cancer than women. It is also estimated that one in two men and one in three women are diagnosed with cancer at some point in their life [1]. Cancers and tumors developing in any part of the reproductive system are very common in men and women.

This article includes common cancers related to the male and female reproductive systems.

[H2] What Are Reproductive Cancers?

Reproductive cancers are those, which occur in the organs related to reproduction (sex). Reproductive organs are located in the pelvis (lower belly). Cancers starting in the female reproductive organs, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva, are known as gynecologic cancers. In males, reproductive cancers develop in the prostate gland, testicles, and penis.

[H2] Female Reproductive Cancers:

Female reproductive cancers include the following:

[H3] 1. Ovarian Cancer:

Cancer occurring in the ovaries (ova-producing organs) is called ovarian cancer. Ovaries maintain the health of the female reproductive system. About 85% of females are diagnosed with ovarian cancer at an advanced stage [2].

Ovarian cancer is only detected early when signs and symptoms are known because ovarian cancer is not detected by cervical screening.

[H3] 2. Cervical Cancer:

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, part of the reproductive system that connects the vagina and uterus. The most common cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV). A cervical smear test is important for finding any tumor or abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.

[H3] 3. Breast Cancer:

Breast cancer is sometimes considered reproductive cancer that occurs in the tissues of the lumps. A woman having breast cancer is at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Breast cancer is most common in women aged over 50, and the risk increases with age. Mammography and biopsy can detect breast cancer [3].

[H3] 4. Uterine Cancer:

Uterine cancer develops in the uterus (womb), an organ where the baby grows. Uterine sarcoma (rare) and endometrial cancer (common) are two types of uterine cancer. Endometrial cancer occurs in women aged over 55.

[H2] Male Reproductive Cancers:

Common male reproductive cancers include the following:

[H3] 1. Penile Cancer:

Penile cancer occurs in the penis, rare cancer in which tumors metastasize in the tissues of the penis. Having any history of genital warts and HPV can increase the risk of penile cancer. If you have penile cancer, your partner should also be screened for HPV in the genital area.

[H3] 2. Testicular Cancer:

Testicular cancer can occur at any age but is most common in males between 15 to 35 years. If diagnosed early, testicular cancer can be cured and prevented. The success rate of testicular cancer treatment is more than 95% [4].

[H3] 3. Prostate Cancer:

Prostate cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled progression of malignant tumors in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is an essential organ in males involved in performing many functions, including helping in urine control, secreting prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and producing the fluid that carries sperms.

[H2] FAQs:

[H3] 1. What is the worldwide prevalence of testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer occurs rarely and affects one in 270 males at an older age. Although testicular cancer can be cured, early diagnosis and prevention are important.

[H3] 2. Does breast cancer increase the risk of other reproductive diseases?

If you have had breast cancer, you’re at increased risk of other reproductive cancers like cervical or uterine cancer and mortality.

References:

• Thun MJ, DeLancey JO, Center MM, Jemal A, Ward EM. The global burden of cancer: priorities for prevention. Carcinogenesis 2010;31:100–10. doi.org
• Reid BM, Permuth JB, Sellers TA. Epidemiology of ovarian cancer: a review. Cancer Biol Med 2017;14:9–32. doi.org
• Akram M, Iqbal M, Daniyal M, Khan AU. Awareness and current knowledge of breast cancer. Biol Res 2017;50:33. doi.org
• Andrew S, E. ES, B. BE, M. CD, Siamak D, Darren F, et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Early Stage Testicular Cancer: AUA Guideline. J Urol 2019;202:272–81. https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000318.